Clinical Reflections of a Nurse Orientation Programme From an Andragogical Perspective: A Descriptive...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Adult Learning Theory

Background:

• Nurse orientation programs are crucial for integrating new nurses into clinical practice.
• Understanding the impact of these programs through the lens of adult learning theory is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how nurse orientation programs influence nurses' clinical experiences.
• To discuss these experiences in relation to Knowles' andragogy (adult learning principles).

Main Methods:

• A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study involving 13 nurses in Istanbul.
• Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method.
• Findings were discussed using andragogy, focusing on adult learning and transition support.

Main Results:

• Seven themes emerged, including clinical problem-solving, theoretical-to-clinical transfer, and medication administration safety.
• Nurses perceived orientation as reducing uncertainty and enhancing organizational integration and confidence.
• Participants reported improved readiness for emergencies and better collegial interactions.

Conclusions:

• Nurse orientation programs support perceived organizational integration, clinical problem-solving, and safety preparedness during practice transitions.
• The andragogical perspective highlights the value of relevance, prior experience, and autonomy in adult learning.
• Findings can inform the design of nurse transition support programs, with a need for outcome-based research.