Student nurse moral development:a case study of second year students undertaking enrolled nurse training in KwaZulu-Natal
The primary aim of the study was to investigate the moral development of second year pupil nurses undergoing training in institutions in KwaZulu Natal. Secondary to a generic exploration, the study's secondary focus was on determining the extent to which moral development among these students was facilitated by their course of study as trainee enrolled nurses. A primary qualitative multi approach study was undertaken. Interviews were scheduled for both second year pupil nurses (n=50) and the professional nurses supervising (n=36) them in the wards. The schedule consisted of both structured and unstructured questions. The study revealed an unexpectedly prevalence of reported lack in moral development, as perceived by students and professional nurses. Results suggested that this may be due to either lack of specific development within the course of the study and/or the possibility that affected student nurses still needed assistance from the professional nurses and the nurse educators in order to improve their moral development. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the objectives of moral education should be clearly stated to pupil nurses. moral education and training should be adapted to contemporary issues so as to increase moral reasoning, moral judgement and moral decision-making. Rules and regulations should be easily accessed by the pupil nurses. Supervision should also be strengthened within clinical learning environments.
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