Reality shock in radiography: fact or fiction? Findings from a phenomenological study in Durban, South Africa

BACKGROUND: Globally, the phenomenon of reality shock is a major contributor to the attrition of healthcare professionals. Reality shock negatively impacts on initial workplace transition, productivity, and ultimately, employee retention, hence it is important to ascertain its causative factors so that measures can be taken to mitigate its effects. Relative to other health professions, the field of radiography has been slow in detailing the occurrence of reality shock, and attrition is a major problem affecting the profession. In South Africa, a dearth of data exists pertaining to the potential presence of reality shock amongst newly-graduated radiographers as they transition to the workplace. METHODS: A phenomenological approach was used. Seven newly-graduated radiographers provided their perceptions of their initial workplace experiences. In-depth, one-on-one, face to face interviews were conducted, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim before interpretive phenomenological analysis was conducted on the obtained data. FINDINGS: Three main themes emerged relating to increased responsibility, being undermined, and feeling overwhelmed. Respondents felt pressurized by their increased responsibilities when they commenced employment. They also felt undermined by their more experienced colleagues, and they were overwhelmed by the new work routine, which resulted in reality shock. CONCLUSIONS: Curricula at institutions of higher education need to include courses which educate student radiographers on what to expect within the workplace as autonomous practitioners. Heads of imaging departments must create structured induction programs for new employees for adequate orientation and mentoring to reduce reality shock. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s40359-019-0317-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.