Abstract
BackgroundThe transition from student to practitioner can be challenging, resulting in stress, burnout and attrition. While there has been ample research examining graduate medical and allied health practitioner experiences of transitioning to practice, there is a paucity of research exploring such experiences in newly qualified naturopathic medicine practitioners. In light of this knowledge gap, the objective of this study was to ascertain the experiences of practicing as a naturopath in Australia within the first 5 years post-graduation.MethodsUsing a qualitative descriptive approach, recent graduates of an Australian Bachelor of Naturopathy (or equivalent) program were invited to participate in a semi-structured telephone interview to address the study objective. Data were analysed utilising a framework approach.ResultsA total of 19 new graduates (94.7% female; 57.9% aged 40–59 years) undertook an interview. Five inter-related themes emerged from the data: practitioner, practice, proprietorship, professions, and perceptions. Connected with these themes were contrasting feelings, multiplicity of duties, small business challenges, professional collaboration, and professional identity, respectively.ConclusionsParticipants were generally content with their decision to become a naturopath. However, most were confronted by a range of challenges as they transitioned from graduate to practitioner, for which many felt ill-prepared. In light of the complexity of the issue, and the potential impact on the sustainability of the profession, it is evident that a multi-pronged, multi-stakeholder approach would be needed to better support graduate naturopath transition to practice.
Highlights
The transition from student to practitioner can be challenging, resulting in stress, burnout and attrition
These studies highlight the importance of professional identity [10, 14], support mechanisms [8, 15, 17, 18], clinical experience during undergraduate education [9, 11] and the development of non-technical attributes in easing the impact of the transition period on newly qualified health professionals [16]
All participants graduated with a Bachelor of Naturopathy degree within the past 5 years, with two-thirds graduating in the last 2 years (63.2%)
Summary
The transition from student to practitioner can be challenging, resulting in stress, burnout and attrition. Pharmacists, occupational therapists, medical doctors, radiographers, midwives and veterinarians has provided valuable insights into the experiences of these professional groups as they transition from undergraduate training to clinical practice [8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19] These studies highlight the importance of professional identity [10, 14], support mechanisms [8, 15, 17, 18], clinical experience during undergraduate education [9, 11] and the development of non-technical attributes (e.g. communication, interrelationship and problem-solving skills) in easing the impact of the transition period on newly qualified health professionals [16]. Study findings support the view that the burden of responsibility for practice preparedness should not be placed solely on students/ practitioners, but shared by all stakeholders, including education providers and healthcare providers [19]
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