An exploratory study of the adequacy of the nurse education system in Malta.

Abstract

Aim: The research study sought to explore the adequacy of the nurse education system in Malta for ensuring a supply of nurses in the future which would be adequate in both quality and quantity. Nurse education was perceived as one of the important factors that determine the supply of nurses in the country. Method: Student nurses' and qualified nurses' views of and opinions on the current and future (a) role of the nurse, (b) demand for and supply of nurses and (c) nurse education system in Malta were explored. Data were collected through questionnaires. Every kind of student and qualified nurse in Malta was represented in the sample (n=172) except for qualified nurses working in the nurse education sector, and student and qualified nurses in the mental health arena. The chosen sample was nonetheless not statistically representative of the student and qualified student and qualified nurse populations represented within it. Findings: The data suggest that the role of the nurse in the future would more predominately be that of an educator and health promoter in primary and community care areas and of a specialist in a particular field. A significant level of dissatisfaction with the pre-registration nurse education programmes was expressed in the responses of most participants, particularly with the way in which the teaching of the practical aspect of nursing was delivered, and the way in which support in the practice areas was organised. Participants also noted a lack of continuing and specialised · educational opportunities. The data did not reveal a homogenous opinion among the participants as regards the current and the future demand for and supply of nurses in the country. Conclusions: The need (i) to encourage the development of teaching and educating skills among nurses, (ii) for the re-organisation of the way in which the practical aspect of nursing is taught, (iii) for the expansion in the provision of continuing education opportunities and the introduction of specialised educational opportunities for qualified nurses, and (iv) for further investigation into and planning regarding the demand and supply of nurses in Malta were clearly indicated in the data.