The Progression and Future of Nursing in Singapore: A Descriptive Qualitative Study. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shorey, Shefaly; Goh, Mien Li; Ang, Shin Yuh; Ang, Lina; Devi, M Kamala; Ang, Emily
• Is Part Of: Journal of transcultural nursing. Volume 30:Number 5(2019)
• Page Start: 512
• Page End: 520
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: qualitative -- nursing -- professionalism -- Singapore; Transcultural nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; Health attitudes -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1177/1043659618823909
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-6596

Abstract

Introduction: Nursing professionalism and nursing identity are important for retention of nurses. Despite of much attention on nurses in Singapore, there is still a shortage of nurses. This study aims to understand the perceptions of the progression and future of the nursing profession in Singapore.Methodology: A descriptive qualitative study design was used. The participants were 20 nurse educators, clinical nurses, and student nurses. Data were collected through focus group and online interviews and analyzed thematically.Results: Nurses felt a need to bridge the theory–practice gap and various factors to the underlying cause of the shortage of nurses were highlighted. Nurses shared their desires to see greater autonomy among nurses and a greater focus on community nursing in the future.Discussion: Collaboration between nurse academics and clinical nurses may bridge the theory–practice gap. To reduce the issue of the shortage of nurses, efforts to promote nursing professionalism are required.