Action research: the journey from enrolled nurse to registration and beyond, discovering a process to promote self-efficacy and professional development

Abstract

The area of Health in New Zealand in the 1990's continues to undergo frequent change. The rapid change has increased the need for accountability and also the desire for career survival. Enrolled nurses have been an integral part of New Zealand's nursing scene but recent changes have seen these nurses with less job opportunity. This has resulted in a desire to upskill for career survival. Educational requirements for accountability and the concern for ensuring professional standards are maintained, within nursing, indicated a need to investigate the progress enrolled nurses made, as they upskilled to comprehensive registration. Action research was used to follow the journey of these former enrolled nurses through the course and their transition year as registered nurses. My role as facilitator altered as the participants developed an understanding of action research and progressed through technical, practical and emancipatory stages. Action research allowed the participants; to identify the change processes which occurred, assist each other in effective action strategies to cope with the change processes, and formulate models which gave meaning to their nursing practice. As participants these nurses suggested that the effect of others perception co-varied with their degree of self-esteem. The more affected by others perception the less their degree of self-efficacy. Action research enabled them to develop action strategies, which enhanced their ability to make positive change. The supportive process of action research was significant in the development of an emancipatory process, which brought understanding of themselves and their nursing practice. Newly registered nurses often struggle in the workforce even when highly motivated and with high self-efficacy. Developing good professional standards requires deep level reflective practice, which is enhanced by a supportive environment and interaction with others.