The adaptation of probation period of employment on the Aboriginal nursing graduates in Taiwan

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the adaptation of probation period of employment on Taiwanese aboriginal nursing graduates in health care institutions.

Design: A cross‑sectional, descriptive design using a questionnaire was employed.

Setting: The setting for the study was an institute of technology in Taiwan offering five‑year, two‑year, four‑year and graduate vocational nursing program.

Subjects: Taiwanese aboriginal nursing student graduates (n=145) were recruited for the study.

Results: Results of this study showed out of 21 items in clinical familiarity, only one item ‘realised organisation culture’ score was fewer than three (out of four). Most graduates felt confident in their job after the three month probation period. All aboriginal nursing graduates felt certain levels of influence in health, leisure activities, social activities, appetite, and sleep. They also expressed a delay of thirty minutes to up to four hours, in completing their scheduled shift. When facing difficulties in their work, they were willing to actively search for solutions. Talking to someone or partaking in leisure activities were two major methods of coping with stress for these graduates.

Conclusion: The results of this study show that the impression of nurse educators and clinical managers that aboriginal nursing students are less adapted in clinical settings than their non‑aboriginal peers may be unfounded.