Mature women's experiences of preregistration nurse education

Abstract

The findings are discussed in relation to reports of women's experiences in higher education in general. We conclude that the situation and needs of mature women preregistration nursing students are such that fundamental curriculum redesign is needed so that they can participate in higher education in ways that allow integration of their family and student lives, and permit them to benefit from the higher education experience in the same ways as younger students. The study is limited by its local nature, but the findings mirror those of other work, giving reassurance of its wider applicability. Recommendations are made for changes in the philosophy and organization of future programmes to improve their appropriateness and acceptability to mature women nursing students.

The juggling act: Do student nurses who care for dependants need an adapted course? An applied policy research study

“…The findings have resonance with previous studies (Cuthbertson et al, 2004;Glackin and Glakin, 1998;Hussain et al, 2011;Kevern and Webb, 2004) and show a highly motivated group of students who, similar to the students described by Cappleman-Morgan (2005) are prepared to go to extreme lengths to overcome the 'obstacles' of the course. The student experience reflects the analysis of Edwards (1993), who describes students as struggling to compete with the demands of two 'greedy' institutions -the public (education) and the private (family).…”

“…The challenge of a full time course for students with dependants cannot be minimised but the personal growth of the participants must also be acknowledged. Kevern and Webb (2004) highlighted the positive experience for non-traditional students and the strength of the friendships made. Roberts (2009) described this as developing a 'community of students' where each other's support is invaluable.…”

“…Glackin and Glackin (1998) argued that the Project 2000 programme was not adequately meeting the needs of non-traditional students, and Fleming and McKee (2005) concluded that if non-traditional students are to be recruited to nursing programme, additional support, both before and during the programme, is required. Kevern and Webb (2004) recommended that changes should be made to the philosophy and organisation of future programmes to improve their appropriateness and acceptability to non-traditional women nursing students. Hussain et al (2011) undertook a mixed methods study of radiography and radiotherapy students who were carers and suggested a range of actions to improve the student experience such as flexible arrangements for placements, care-givers leave and targeted advice regarding child care.…”

‘Not Easily Put Into a Box’: Constructing Professional Identity

“…Research studies by Reay (2003) and Reay et al (2010) highlight the shift -and loss -of identity that occurs when students from working class backgrounds experience a disjuncture between their families' culture and values and those of the higher education setting. Kevern and Webb (2004) found that mature women undertaking nurse education reported negative consequences for their personal relationships; and in Nel's (2006) research, family therapy trainees -mature postgraduates with a range of professional qualifications -described having to re-evaluate their personal and professional identities.…”

An Evaluation of a Technology Enhanced Learning Tool (Labtutor) From the Perspective of Undergraduate Student Nurses

“…A survey of some 3000 students revealed that students are demanding more technological resources such as videos, gaming, quizzes and learning management systems so they can control their own learning and complete work at their own pace (Undergraduate Technology Survey 2012). It must be remembered however, that not all students are "tech-savvy" especially mature students (Kevern and Webb, 2004) and that nursing in particular has a larger number of mature students compared to other disciples. So it is imperative that any use of technology and/ or learning management systems must be used with guidance and caution.…”