Experiences and challenges of enrolled nurses undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing Science programme in Namibia

Background: Globally, enrolled nurses (ENs) are embarking on an educational journey to become registered nurses (RNs) in order to enhance their knowledge and career opportunities. However, their aspiration is not without challenges. In Namibia, the experiences of these nurses have not been extensively researched. Objectives: This study aims to explore and describe the experiences and challenges of ENs undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing Science at the University of Namibia. Method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research strategy was followed as the basis of conducting the study. A sample of 15 nursing students was purposively selected from the target population of 73 nursing students. This sample size was determined by the saturation of data as reflected in repeating themes. The collected data were analysed thematically using an inductive approach. Results: Three main themes subsequently emerged from the study: ENs' positive experiences advancing in the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) programme; nurses' negative experiences advancing in the BNSc programme; and recommendations to ensure effective advancement in the BNSc programme Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that ENs positively experience becoming a RN when it comes to self-development; however, they have negative experiences such as not receiving exemptions for prior learning and having to learn a new curriculum. Contribution: These findings may be used by the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health management in order to develop targeted interventions and ongoing strategies during their curriculum review cycles to ensure positive student experiences and success within the programme.

A rapid review of nurses’ experiences working in hospital settings during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background@#Being at the frontline, nurses working in hospital settings are vulnerable to a range of experiences that impact their wellbeing. Measures to protect their health and welfare during the COVID-19 pandemic have been the focus of discussion among policymakers and administrators. There is a need to collectively understand their personal experiences to inform relevant policy decisions.@*Objective@#To synthesize and present the best available evidence describing the experiences of nurses working in hospital settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.@*Design@#This is a rapid review using Tricco's seven stage process. @*Data sources@#A structured search using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and a local database Herdin was conducted.@*Review Methods@#A rapid review of studies published from January to August 2020, describing nurses' experiences of working in hospital facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic were included regardless of methodology. Following data screening and extraction, a narrative synthesis of the findings was conducted.@*Results@#Nineteen articles were included in the review. The experiences of nurses described in these articles generated a total of fifteen categories, based on similarities of meaning. Four synthesized findings were identified from the categories: (a) supportive nursing culture; (b) physical, emotional, and psychological impact of frontline work; (c) organizational responsiveness; (d) and maintaining standards of care.@*Conclusions@#Nurses' experiences working in hospital settings during the COVID-19 pandemic are diverse, profound, and dependent on the context of practice and prevailing healthcare system and organization. These experiences reflect personal encounters and shifts in healthcare delivery that ensure protection and safety while maintaining standards of care. Robust studies are needed to capture and explore the breadth of these experiences and heighten the discussions that advocate for nurses' welfare and safety during pandemics.