A Conceptual Framework to Improve Resilience Among Undergraduate First-Year Nursing Students: A Mixed-Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Higher Education Studies
• Psychology

Background:

• Undergraduate first-year nursing students frequently face challenges transitioning to higher education.
• Resilience is a crucial coping mechanism for navigating academic and personal adversities.
• A validated framework is needed to enhance resilience in this vulnerable student population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a conceptual framework aimed at improving resilience among first-year undergraduate nursing students.
• To address the specific challenges faced by nursing students in the South African higher education context.
• To provide a theoretical basis for interventions supporting student transition and success.

Main Methods:

• A multiphase, concurrent mixed-methods research design incorporating concept analysis, empirical, development, and validation phases.
• Development of the conceptual framework guided by Dickoff et al.'s practice-oriented theory model.
• Validation of the framework using an e-Delphi technique with national and international nursing education experts.

Main Results:

• The developed conceptual framework positions first-year undergraduate nursing students within four key contexts: university, clinical facilities, nursing council, and the broader higher education system.
• Key components of the framework include stakeholder collaboration, mentoring, and debriefing.
• Guiding principles focus on strengthening internal resources and establishing support systems to facilitate a successful transition.

Conclusions:

• The newly developed conceptual framework offers a promising approach to enhance resilience in first-year undergraduate nursing students.
• The framework has the potential to improve the transition experience from basic to higher education for nursing students.
• Implementing this framework can support nursing students in developing essential coping strategies for academic and professional success.