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.