https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4837-8048
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ABSTRACT
Background
New-graduate physiotherapists experience a steep learning curve when transitioning from student to clinician. The acute hospital setting is known to present unique challenges for health clinicians, however, the preparedness of new-graduate physiotherapists for working within this setting remains unclear.
Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate new-graduate physiotherapists’ experiences of working in acute hospital settings and their perceptions toward how their pre-professional training prepared them for this setting.
Methods
A qualitative study with a general inductive approach was used. Semi-structured interviews with new-graduate physiotherapists working in acute hospital settings were undertaken (n = 14). Interview data were subject to thematic analysis.
Results
Four themes were generated from the data: 1) multifactorial and high-pressure nature; 2) managing relationships; 3) realizing responsibility; and 4) constructing realistic experiences.
Conclusion
The acute hospital setting presents unique obstacles and additional challenges when transitioning from student to clinician. New-graduates value the role of pre-professional training in their preparation for this context, however, new-graduates reflected on being sheltered from some areas of practice as students. Recommendations are suggested for education providers to adapt pre-professional training, and for employers to implement workplace strategies, which may support new-graduate physiotherapists in the acute hospital setting.
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank the physiotherapists who participated in this project.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).