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Leadership competences of professional nurses in the eThekwini health district during the first year of registration with the South African Nursing Council

This qualitative research study was conducted to explore and describe leadership competencies of the newly registered professional (NRP) nurses during the first year of registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) in selected provincial hospitals in the eThekwini health district. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data; open- ended questions provided participants with an opportunity to provide rich and detailed information about selected experiences as qualified professional nurses. The main objective of the study was to build on prior work in order to explore and describe selected leadership competencies of the NRP nurses, particularly those related to inability to manage conflict, uncertainty and fear of having to delegate, and observing unethical practice. Benner’s model of Novice to Expert nurse was used as the organising framework. The purposive sample comprised eight R425 trained professional nurses in their first year of registration with the SANC, who were working in the selected regional hospitals of eThekwini health district. All participants had completed one year of practice and reported believing that they were at Stage 3: Competent of Benner’s Stages of Clinical Competence model – from Novice to Expert. Six themes emerged, namely: support; uncertainty and fear of having to delegate; competence; transition to professional nurse; observed unethical practices; fear of victimisation; and difficult relationships. From the above stated themes fifteen sub-themes emerged. The results found that nurses are continuing to transition into Benner’s Stage 5: which requires continued support and integration as they evolve in their roles as professional nurses.