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Oct 12, 2021Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Health and safety risks affecting part-time nursing students
Lorato G. Manyeneng
Mogale L. Pilusa
Mmataniele S. Mogotlane
Abstract
Background: Professional nurses who are employed full-time can study their postgraduate programmes part-time to add to the basic qualification they obtained through relevant institutions of higher education like universities or colleges. Although there are advantages for part-time study such as improvement of qualifications, enhancement of personal development and increased chance of promotion, there are disadvantages as well, which includes keeping a job, attending to family and social responsibilities, time management to ensure that studying is done after work or in-between work and other activities, attending to assignments and complying with the requirements to acquire the qualification.
Aim: This study aimed to explore health and safety risks faced by nurses who work and study part-time.
Setting: The study was conducted at a university in Gauteng province, South Africa. Nurses who undertake part-time studies at this university were the focus of study.
Method: The research design used in the study was an exploratory, quantitative method that was contextual in nature. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that comprised of demographical and health and safety aspects. Data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics using the Statistics package for Social Sciences version 26.
Results: Research findings indicated that students who study part-time experience health and safety risks such as fatigue (n = 86; 49%), stress (n = 95; 54%), sleep disorders (n = 60; 34%), poor eating habits (n = 123; 70%), abuse of caffeine (n = 91; 52%) and are prone to road accidents (n = 54; 31%).
Conclusion: Nurses who work and study part-time need support from their employers and families. Employers should grant study leave as a way of support.
