Personality and interpersonal competence skills of newly qualified midwives and psychosocial challenges affecting competence: A descriptive study
| dc.contributor.advisor | Nikodem, V.C. | |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Mtise, T. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Mzuku, Nozuko Faith | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-07-21T09:58:21Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-07-21T09:58:21Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-08 | |
| dc.description | Master's dissertation | |
| dc.description.abstract | Introduction Transitioning from a student nurse to a newly qualified professional midwife can be a challenging experience. Newly qualified midwives often need to prepare to meet all professional expectations. While clinical competence is commonly measured and discussed in the literature, information on personality and interpersonal competence skills is seldom reported. These skills, including emotional intelligence, teamwork, empathy, integrity, and social boldness, are crucial for effective practice but are often overlooked. Objectives The objectives of this study were to: 1. Measure and describe personality competence skills using the 16-item PF psychometric test. 2. Measure and describe interpersonal competence skills (such as emotional intelligence, teamwork, empathy, integrity, and social boldness) using the open-resource Psychometric 50-Item Interpersonal Skills Questionnaire. 3. Identify psychosocial challenges in the workplace that may impede newly qualified midwives’ acquisition of personality and interpersonal competence skills. Methodology The study employed a quantitative technique and a descriptive, non-experimental design to achieve these objectives. Results A total of 21 newly qualified midwives participated in the study. Most participants reported isiXhosa as their home language and had completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Interestingly, the mean age of participants was 32, older than typical newly graduated students, and most reported being single. Personality competence skills varied among participants. The mean score on the interpersonal competency skills assessment indicated that most newly qualified midwives effectively utilised their own emotions and those of others. The results suggested that participants were more adept at working individually than in teams, although teamwork was noted to enhance their performance. Participants were generally more aware of others’ emotions and more cognizant of their emotional states than the average person. The group scored highly on integrity, showing a strong alignment between their actions and personal principles. Social boldness scores indicated that participants were likelier to demonstrate courage and assertiveness in social interactions. Psychosocial challenges identified included staff burnout, low morale, and insufficient recognition from senior midwives. Participants expressed a need for more informal teaching and orientation as newly qualified staff. Additionally, a shortage of staff and a lack of resources or equipment were significant obstacles in the workplace. Conclusions and Recommendations The study underscored the importance of systematically measuring personality and interpersonal competence skills to integrate newly qualified midwives into clinical settings better. Senior midwives are recommended to create a supportive environment to foster the development of these skills. Persistent challenges, such as inadequate resources and support, continue to hinder the effective transition of newly qualified midwives into the workforce. Improving the performance and preparedness of recently qualified midwives depends on resolving these problems. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Mzuku, N.F. (2024) Personality and interpersonal competence skills of newly qualified midwives and psychosocial challenges affecting competence: A descriptive study. Master's dissertation. University of Fort Hare. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/4109 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of Fort Hare | |
| dc.subject | Social skills | |
| dc.subject | Midwives--Certification | |
| dc.title | Personality and interpersonal competence skills of newly qualified midwives and psychosocial challenges affecting competence: A descriptive study | |
| dc.type | Thesis |