Dataset Information

Reality shock in radiography: fact or fiction? Findings from a phenomenological study in Durban, South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Globally, the phenomenon of reality shock is a major contributor to the attrition of healthcare professionals. Reality shock negatively impacts on initial workplace transition, productivity, and ultimately, employee retention, hence it is important to ascertain its causative factors so that measures can be taken to mitigate its effects. Relative to other health professions, the field of radiography has been slow in detailing the occurrence of reality shock, and attrition is a major problem affecting the profession. In South Africa, a dearth of data exists pertaining to the potential presence of reality shock amongst newly-graduated radiographers as they transition to the workplace.

Methods

A phenomenological approach was used. Seven newly-graduated radiographers provided their perceptions of their initial workplace experiences. In-depth, one-on-one, face to face interviews were conducted, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim before interpretive phenomenological analysis was conducted on the obtained data.

Findings

Three main themes emerged relating to increased responsibility, being undermined, and feeling overwhelmed. Respondents felt pressurized by their increased responsibilities when they commenced employment. They also felt undermined by their more experienced colleagues, and they were overwhelmed by the new work routine, which resulted in reality shock.

Conclusions

Curricula at institutions of higher education need to include courses which educate student radiographers on what to expect within the workplace as autonomous practitioners. Heads of imaging departments must create structured induction programs for new employees for adequate orientation and mentoring to reduce reality shock.

SUBMITTER: Chipere TGA

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6593581 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Reality shock in radiography: fact or fiction? Findings from a phenomenological study in Durban, South Africa.

Chipere Tawanda Gilbert Alfred TGA Nkosi Pauline Busisiwe PB

BMC psychology 20190625 1

<h4>Background</h4>Globally, the phenomenon of reality shock is a major contributor to the attrition of healthcare professionals. Reality shock negatively impacts on initial workplace transition, productivity, and ultimately, employee retention, hence it is important to ascertain its causative factors so that measures can be taken to mitigate its effects. Relative to other health professions, the field of radiography has been slow in detailing the occurrence of reality shock, and attrition is a ...[more]

PMID: 31238986

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Dataset Information

Reality shock in radiography: fact or fiction? Findings from a phenomenological study in Durban, South Africa.

Background

Methods

Findings

Conclusions

Publications

Reality shock in radiography: fact or fiction? Findings from a phenomenological study in Durban, South Africa.

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