Are we preparing student nurses for final practice placement?

Abstract

The aims of this research were to illuminate student nurses' perceptions of preparedness for final practice placement, and to ascertain factors that supported and hindered preparation for final placement practice. This phenomenological qualitative research was carried out in a UK higher education institution (HEI) with eight adult branch student nurses maintaining written diaries for the first 4 weeks of their final 10-week practice placement. Data were then analysed by means of an interpretive phenomenological approach (IPA). Results showed that students felt ill-prepared for placement. Eight clear themes emerged, including: being used as 'an extra pair of hands'; mentors appearing to treat student practice documentation as unimportant; and high staff expectations. Other themes were: mentor importance; students feeling that they lacked knowledge; and students feeling unsupported and stressed. In conclusion, although students felt that they lacked knowledge and were used as an extra pair of hands, they did show clinical competence.

Nursing students' belongingness and workplace satisfaction: Quantitative findings of a mixed methods study

“…This is understandable given participants were students on their final clinical placement prior to becoming registered nurses; therefore they needed to acquire knowledge and skills from nurses they worked with and to feel part of the social nursing milieu. Akin to students in Morrell and Ridgway (2014) study, participants in the present study were novice nurses who at times needed guidance and support. Furthermore, as demonstrated by other studies (for example, Anderson and Kiger, 2008;Papp et al, 2003), the satisfied desire to be accepted as part of the clinical team influenced students' satisfaction with their developing role as registered nurse.…”

Mental health nursing students’ views on their readiness to address the physical health needs of service users on registration

“…The participants' perception of lack of knowledge influencing their level of confidence in caring for aspects of physical health resonates with the observation of Morrell and Ridgway (2014) who studied a group of student nurses preparing for their final placement. It was noted that a perception of a lack of knowledge can cause anxiety and loss of confidence, and lead them to question their ability to be safe practitioners of the future (Morrell & Ridgway 2014).…”

Aspects of nursing student placements associated with perceived likelihood of working in residential aged care

“…, Lea et al . , Morrell & Ridgway ). For example, the Australian National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia p. 5) specifies that the RN ‘supports health care students to meet their learning objectives in cooperation with other members of the health care team’ and ‘participates where appropriate in teaching others including students of nursing’.…”