Fourth Year Intellectual Disability Student Nurses’ Journey and Future Work Intention: A Qualitative Study.
Abstract BackgroundThe aim of this qualitative study is to explore the views and experiences of final year BSc intellectual disability nursing students’ journey, future work plans and examine factors influencing their migration intentions following graduation.MethodsA qualitative component of a mixed methods study where focus group interviews were conducted with final year BSc intellectual disability nursing students (n-=10). A topic guide was utilised, and participants were interviewed about their programme, future work plans and migration intentions. An inductive approach was utilised, and data were analysed using a pre-existing framework for initial coding and thematic development. Duffy’s conceptual model of identity transformation provided a structure to analyse the data and map themes onto the conceptual framework.ResultsThe findings were mapped onto the five stages of Duffy’s (2013) conceptual model of identity transformation: Pre-Entry; Reaffirming; Surmounting; Stabilising and Actualising. Findings indicate that further work is required to promote intellectual disability nursing and address professional esteem issues, support for education and professional development, such as providing career guidance opportunities prior to course completion, development of clinical skills within their education programme and support for the professional development of new graduates. Participants identified uncertainty about career opportunities and saw scope for future professional developments opportunities particularly in community-based work.ConclusionThis study has identified that final year intellectual disability nursing students are uncertain about career options and opportunities for intellectual disability nurses in other countries. There is an urgent need for the intellectual disability nursing profession to articulate their practice and advocate for their role and contribution to the care of people with intellectual disability. This study identified a clear need for direction and information regarding intellectual disability nursing roles and career opportunities.
