Curationis provides a forum for cutting-edge theories and research models related to the exploration of issues experienced and the best practices of nurses and midwives so as to improve nursing education, nursing administration and community nursing within Africa.

Curationis provides a forum for cutting-edge theories and research models related to the exploration of issues experienced and the best practices of nurses and midwives so as to improve nursing education, nursing administration and community nursing within Africa.

This study explored the confidentiality values and needs of clients of traditional medicine practitioners who also consulted with modern medical care facilities. Participants were 12 clients of traditional healers who were also receiving modern medicine services (9 males; Sotho, Sepedi and Tswana speaking). The clients responded to an in-depth interview on their confidentiality values, needs and consultations with traditional and modern medicine, in the absence of a formal referral between the two systems. Data were thematically analysed using Tesch's ( 1990 Tesch, R. (1990). Qualitative Research: Analysis types and software tools. Bristol, PA: Falmer. [Google Scholar] ) open coding method. Results indicated that clients valued their rights to confidentiality being respected by modern medicine and when also consulting with traditional healers. The clients also expressed concern about being ostracised by nurses for consulting traditional healers. Consultation confidentiality with regard to traditional medicine is important with traditionalist Africans.

Background: South Africa faces a significant shortage of anaesthesiologists, compromising healthcare access and increasing anaesthesia-related risks. Addressing this issue requires sustainable, locally relevant solutions aligned with global surgery initiatives to enhance surgical care access. Objectives: This study explores anaesthesiologists’ perspectives on the necessity of nurse anaesthetists in South Africa and offers recommendations for developing their practice. Method: A qualitative, descriptive, and contextual design was employed, using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The population consisted of anaesthesiologists registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted face-to-face and online. Analysis followed Colaizzi’s seven-step method, supported by an independent coder. Results: Findings revealed diverse perspectives, ranging from support for independent, well-trained nurse anaesthetists under supervision or as assistants, to complete opposition to nurse anaesthetists administering anaesthesia. Participants emphasised that the anaesthesiology specialist community should define nurse anaesthetists’ scope of practice, which must be regulated. Training should align with diplomate anaesthetists’ standards and involve anaesthesiologists supported by nursing educators. Conclusion: This pioneering research addresses a critical gap in South Africa’s healthcare system by exploring the introduction of nurse anaesthetists to mitigate the shortage of anaesthesia providers. Contribution: Its findings hold the potential to inform policy and practice, contributing to the advancement of anaesthesia services and addressing a pressing healthcare need in South Africa.

Background: It is challenging for newly qualified professional nurses (NQPNs) to care for children with congenital heart abnormalities following cardiac surgery in cardiothoracic critical care units. This population of nurses is allocated to critically ill children in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU) even though they lack sufficient knowledge, experience and skills to care for these patients. Objectives: This study explored, described and made recommendations to support NQPNs who provide postoperative care to children in a CTICU. Method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used. Purposive sampling was employed, and in-depth individual phenomenological interviews were conducted with 10 NQPNs. Data were analysed according to Giorgio’s descriptive phenomenological method, and measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical principles were followed. Results: The NQPNs cited their lack of knowledge and mentoring as the primary contributors to their perceived challenges. This population requires motivation, mentoring and empowerment to address this phenomenon. Conclusion: Professional nurses in CTICUs require a supportive work environment, with encouragement from colleagues, management and doctors. A lack of support compromises patient care outcomes and safety, resulting in litigation. Contribution: Recommendations are provided for nursing education, research and practice to empower NQPNs with knowledge and skills to work with children following cardiac surgery to avoid adverse events in the CTICU.

Newly qualified intensive care nurses (NQICNs) are expected to execute the shift-leading role immediately after graduation. Critical reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, and evidence-based clinical judgment are thus essential skills for intensive care nursing graduates. This study aimed to explore and describe NQICNs’ lived experiences of being shift leaders. This descriptive qualitative study was based on the data collected through semi-structured individual interviews. Five NQICNs in five hospitals from one region in Gauteng, South Africa, were interviewed between September and December 2019. NQICNs working as shift leaders for 10 to 12 months after intensive care training were eligible for inclusion in the study. Data were analyzed using the four steps suggested by Giorgi. The results revealed three themes and seven sub-themes. NQICNs suffered greatly intrapersonally (NQICNs reported intrapersonal suffering, manifesting as pre-shift anxiety, severe work stress, and post-shift exhaustion; NQICNs employed coping mechanisms and either fought, fled, or froze during conflict or crises; NQICNs lack of shift-leading experience did not match their heavy load of responsibilities and accountability); the NQICNs interpersonally matured and empowered themselves (NQICNs experienced support and challenges on an interpersonal level; NQICNs improved their interpersonal relationships and felt proud of and empowered by their professional growth); NQICNs highlighted various requirements to help them manage the high demands of leading shifts (others should fulfill certain needs to enable NQICNs to handle the shift-leading role; self-awareness as a need to enable NQICNs to embrace the shift-leading role). A greater understanding of NQICNs and their unmet needs will enable nurse managers, educators, and nurses to better support NQICNs’ evolution from novice to competent shift leaders.