Researching South African registered nurses’ perceptions and experiences of personal and professional development

Abstract

Background: Literature suggests that there are many different elements and factors associated directly and indirectly with Personal and Professional Development (PPD) (Gould, Drey & Berridge, 2007; Munro, 2008; Hughes, 2005). As healthcare services continue to evolve and change, this in turn effects RN’s PPD.
 Objectives: 
 To identify South African (SA) womens’ perceptions and experiences of PPD, t
 o identify effective ways in which SA women as RNs have approached their PPD and how this can influence the theory and knowledge of supporting and developing RNs.
 Sample: Data was collected from 9/2013 - 4/2014 from a total of 39 RNs. Participants were at different stages of their nursing careers. Ages ranged from 25-62 years old. Ethics permission was gained from a university based in the NW, UK and from 2 universities based in the Western Cape, SA, at which participants were currently studying, or had recently completed studies.
 Methods: Qualitative: Feminist approach, interviews and short questionnaire.
 Results and conclusion: 
 This comparative study identified commonalities between RNs in SA and the UK. Themes derived from the data were; leadership and management, PPD theories versus realities, the hidden costs of PPD, and the change in women’s approach and actions towards PPD. The theme that was specific to SA nurses was; silently developing themselves, protecting themselves from professional jealously and the employers’ rules around PPD.
 SA women were found to be undertaking different approaches in order to be successful in their PPD. They were found to be investing in PPD to ensure that in the future, they would be able to apply successfully for higher paid positions should this opportunity arise. The findings bring us to consider how we, as nurses, can influence the development of SA nurses.