A Phenomenological Exploration of Transitional Opportunities Experienced by Intern-Nurses at Labasa Hospital, Fiji

Introduction and Aim: The transition from being a nursing scholar to a practicing nurse is a significant phase in the lives of intern-nurses. During this phase intern-nurses build on experiences which determine their proficiency in future. The transitional experience is a phase of learning, exploration and adaptation for intern-nurses. Transition programs are introduced by healthcare organizations in order to provide intern-nurses with better learning and adapting opportunities. This study aimed to build insight into the opportunities they faced by intern-nurses at Labasa Hospital during transition.Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to carry out this study at Labasa Hospital, Fiji. A convenient sample of 22 intern-nurses participated in data collection, through semi-structured in depth interviews. The participants comprised of current intern nurses of Labasa Hospital or those that had completed internship at Labasa Hospital within the past five years and were currently working at different unit at Labasa hospital. The interview data was transcribed verbatim and interpreted using thematic analysis.Results: The demographical findings of this study indicated the ages of the participants to be between 22 and 26 while one participant was 46 years old. Ten of the participants were current intern-nurses of Labasa hospital whilst the remaining 12 had completed their internship less than five years ago and currently working in various units at Labasa Hospital. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed three subthemes which describe opportunities experienced by intern- nurses; competence, confidence and socializing. The subthemes were further divided into categories. Competence is reflected by categories of skill development and efficient workers while, confidence is defined by communication and dealing with stress. Finally, socializing is categorized by rapport and team building.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the transitional opportunities experienced by intern nurses are confidence, competence and socialization. The opportunities enable the intern-nurses to improve their proficiency level thus improving the clinical outcomes. The findings of this study will help in understanding the transitional experiences of intern-nurses and the need to provide support intern-nurses during transition.