Pediatric practicums in undergraduate nursing programs: an integrative review

Abstract

Background Practicum Placements are the signature andragogy used in undergraduate nursing programs to bring about knowledge consolidation. Little is known, however, about the types of pediatric practicum placements utilized by nursing programs to provide practical learning opportunities in child health to their students. The purpose of this integrative review is to identify and appraise existing literature on practical pediatric practices in undergraduate nursing education. Method Searches were conducted using the main relevant databases and search engines. Of the numerous articles retrieved, screened, and reviewed, 15 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results were then analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Two overarching themes were identified: (1) Adaptation, and (2) Learning. Conclusion Findings revealed that most nursing programs utilize alternative placement sites to meet the learning need of their students. These sites provided students with the opportunities to care for children and adolescents, and engage in a variety of health promotion and teaching activities.