Collaborative Informal Social Support Initiative as Perceived by the Nursing Students

Abstract

Few studies have explored the experiences of nursing students participating in a collaborative informal social<br />support initiative. This study describes and explores how nursing students perceived their experiences of<br />participating in a pilot collaborative social support initiative program. The collaborative program initiated by the<br />faculty member, planned to facilitate the collaboration between the academic and clinical staffs in order to<br />manage the stress experienced by the mothers of cancer children, and to develop the nursing students knowledge<br />and skills.<br />Mixed method approach was used. Convenience sample of nursing students practiced to fulfill the requirement<br />of advanced nursing course objectives - a required last-semester nursing program course participating in the pilot<br />social support program. Qualitative data were collected using team and individual reflection. Self report reaction<br />index was used to collect quantitative data. SWOT analysis framework to analyze the internal and external<br />strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that impact the program was utilized. Nursing students<br />participating in the initiative program were highly positive about their experiences