Dissertation
Student Engagement in an Entry to Practice Nursing Degree: A Critical Realist Lens
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00060
Abstract
This study explored the empirical reality of students’ progress through an entry to practice nursing degree and the influences that shape the student learning experience in preparing to enter practice as a registered nurse (RN) in Australia. The complex, and at times competing, requirements and priorities of higher education providers, the health care industry and the nursing profession exist and converge in the curriculum as it is planned and implemented and as it is experienced by students. These intersections have implications for education providers, health services, the nursing profession and for individuals as they study and enter the profession.
Critical realism provided the methodological framework to explore the nursing student experience but also to consider the underlying mechanisms that shape and impact this. The research used a longitudinal, qualitative approach to gather rich detail of the empirical reality of 27 undergraduate nursing students at different points in their degree through one semester of study. Pre- and post-semester semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore their experience and the influences on their learning in preparing for registered nursing practice. In the second interview, participants also contributed an artefact that exemplified student engagement in learning. Additionally, 10 final-year students participated in a third interview between three and six months after completing their degree and commencing practice as a registered nurse. While the student experience was the central data source for this study, insights from 16 academic and professional staff in focus group interviews and information from curriculum documents also contributed to understanding the structures and mechanisms that influence student experience in entry to practice nursing degrees. Data was analysed using critical realist analysis processes.
Details
- Title
- Student Engagement in an Entry to Practice Nursing Degree: A Critical Realist Lens
- Authors
- Sam Edwards
- Contributors
- Jennifer Rowe (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00060
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99533108802621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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