Experiences of graduate registered nurses in aged care: A case study
Bridget Fussell
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne VIC
Fran McInerney
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Australian Catholic University, St Patrick's Campus, Melbourne VIC
Elizabeth Patterson
Head, School of Nursing and Visiting Fellow, Nurse Education, Gold Coast Health Service District, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD
PP: 210 - 223
Abstract
The number of Registered Nurses (RNs) working in aged care is declining, with few new RNs choosing aged care in their graduate year. This paper describes a study exploring 11 female graduate RNs' experiences of working in an aged care setting in Victoria, Australia to assist in informing recruitment and retention strategies in aged care. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken and thematically analysed using open coding.
This paper presents findings related to the themes of 'free choice or allocated to aged care' 'reasons for graduate choices', 'nature of aged care: a match or mismatch for graduates', 'lack of professional support for graduate RNs in aged care' and 'role confusion'. Findings supported the recruitment of graduate RNs with an initial interest in aged care into the sector. A clearer definition of the new graduate RN's role in aged care and a standardised graduate program may assist in increasing retention of such nurses in the future.
Keywords
nursing, aged care, graduates, case study
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