The challenges and achievements of graduates of the nurse bridging program in Cambodia: A qualitative study

Background: As the shortage of qualified nurses is one of the primary healthcare issues in Cambodia, a two-year Nurse Bridging Program which grants bachelor's degrees to nurses with associate degrees was introduced. Objectives: This study explores the challenges and achievements that the graduates experienced during and after the Nurse Bridging Program. Design: A qualitative approach was used in this study. Setting: The Nurse Bridging Program was conducted in a university in Cambodia from 2015 to 2016. This study was conducted 1 year after the Nurse Bridging Program. Participants: A group of 38 graduates participated in the online survey and 3 graduates participated in a focus group interview. Methods: Sequential data collection for explanatory follow-up design was used in this study. The data obtained were analyzed using content and thematic analyses. Results: Participants reported challenges such as unfamiliarity with research, difficulty with a foreign language, and shortage of time. They tried to overcome these challenges, and this experience improved their nursing and research competencies, which improved their job prospects and aspirations of further studies. Conclusions: The Nurse Bridging Program helped the nurses improve the quality of their work and develop their potential as nursing leaders.