lived experience of new graduate physiotherapists in the first year of practice : mentorship and program management
abstract
the object of this qualitative study was to explore the experience of the
first year of practice of newly graduated physiotherapists working in a program
management healthcare institution, in order to identify the systems and
strategies that supported them during the transition from student to therapist.
interviews were conducted with 8 new graduates and 4 experienced
physiotherapists. the concept of support was explored with specific focus on the
participants understanding of the mentor relationship.
the study provides insight into the challenges and rewards of the first
year of practice for newly graduated physiotherapists. the findings revealed a
relationship between the availability of support from experienced
physiotherapists and timely progression along a continuum of professional
development in the first year of practice. suggestions and strategies to maximize
access to support for new graduates are presented which include the
development of a formalized mentoring program.
collections
- retrospective theses [1604]