A Phenomenology Study into Experiences of Paramedic Postgraduate Interns within the Irish National Ambulance Service.
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Abstract
Background: Transitioning from college to the workforce, paramedic postgraduate interns experience feelings of excitement but also feelings of anxiety and insecurity. These emotions come under the term transition shock, which has been identified with other healthcare professions. This study aims to explore the experiences of paramedic postgraduate interns as part of a two-person crew within the Irish National Ambulance Service.
Methods: This research employed a qualitative method using Gadamerian hermeneutics methodology. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Eighteen interviews were conducted between October 2022 and January 2023. Attride–Stirling's framework for thematic network analysis was used to identify themes.
Results: Three organizing themes of Emotions, Education, and Support emerged to form the overall global theme 'Experiences of the Paramedic Intern'. Participants stated that the Ambulance College prepared them well, however, education in mental health could have been better. Participants found that the college setting can be very different from the real-world complexities. There was excitement about starting their new role but also feelings of fear and worry and realization of the responsibilities the job entails. Previous life experience appears to benefit the participants in dealing with the emotional challenges of the job. Participants stated that introducing a support program may benefit new interns as they transition into the workplace for a period of time.
Conclusion: In this sample group of newly qualified paramedics, three themes of emotions, education, and support were identified from their experiences of being a postgraduate paramedic intern. Interns appeared to have mixed emotions starting their internship, highlighting that more education in managing mental health presentations may be beneficial. Also, the introduction of a clinical support system for new interns in the form of mentorship may also help ease the transition into paramedic practice.
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