Exploring the transition and professional socialisation from health care assistant to student nurse

From the findings a framework for the transition and professional socialisation from HCA to student nurse is provided, which will assist the university and others in identifying, addressing and aiding the socialisation needs of these students into their new role as a student nurse.

Abstract

The main themes that emerged around culture shock and clinical issues identified both positive and negative perceptions upon this process. Equally a new concept is introduced from the findings, that of 'the comfort zone', which explores the intentional reversal into the HCA role by the participants of the study. From the findings a framework for the transition and professional socialisation from HCA to student nurse is provided. The findings will assist the university and others in identifying, addressing and aiding the socialisation needs of these students into their new role as a student nurse.