ArticlePDF Available

Perception of Nursing Students and Preceptors about Factors Influencing the Clinical Performance of Nursing Students

Authors:

Abstract and Figures

The mastery of clinical skills must be a key component of courses leading to registration of nurses,as clinical performance of today's nursing students holds a lot for the future of Nursing profession. The aim of the study is to identify the perception of nursing students and their preceptors about factors facilitating and inhibiting clinical performance of nursing students.A descriptive design was conducted among 400 and 500 level students of the department of Nursing science, University of Maiduguri and Nurses in all medical, surgical, obstetrics and gynecology wards of university of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. A self developed questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents by the researcher, the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0.Hypothesis was tested using chi-square. The following factors were identified as facilitators of clinical performance by the students and preceptors; Preceptorship and mentorship, good relationship with nurses, quality supervision, simulation, peer teaching, and learning in an effective clinical environment. The following factors were identified as inhibiting clinical performance; High levels of stress and anxiety, Poor interpersonal relationship,Theory-practice-gap,Inadequate clinical time,overcrowded clinical facilities,shortage of equipment and staff, and lack of feedback. The first null hypothesis stated that there is no significant relationship between perception of factors facilitating clinical performance and grade in last clinical experience examination and it was rejected because calculated chisquare (10.155) was greater than chi square table value(9.488) at 0.05 level of significance and 4df , the second null hypothesis which stated that there is no relationship between perception of factors inhibiting clinical performance and grade in last clinical experience examination which was accepted as calculated chi square (4.561) was less than chi-square table value(9.488) at 0.05 level of significance and 4df, thus null hypothesis accepted. If nursing as a profession must continue to thrive for years to come then it is recommended that Nursing departments and faculties must ensure they graduate clinically competent nurses capable of providing care in a variety of settings.
Content may be subject to copyright.
IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science (IOSR-JNHS)
e-ISSN: 23201959.p- ISSN: 23201940 Volume 4, Issue 5 Ver. II (Sep. - Oct. 2015), PP 57-69
www.iosrjournals.org
DOI: 10.9790/1959-04525769 www.iosrjournals.org 57 | Page
Perception of Nursing Students and Preceptors about Factors
Influencing the Clinical Performance of Nursing Students
1Gloria Joseph Dlama,2OyetundeModupe,1Ali Umar
1.Department of Nursing,Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital,Bauchi, Nigeria
2.Department of Nursing,Faculty of Clinical Sciences,College of medicine, University of Ibadan,Nigeria
Corresponding Author- Gloria Joseph Dlama. Email:glo_kool@yahoo.com . phone number: +2318130582720
Abstract: The mastery of clinical skills must be a key component of courses leading to registration of nurses,as
clinical performance of today’s nursing students holds a lot for the future of Nursing profession. The aim of the
study is to identify the perception of nursing students and their preceptors about factors facilitating and
inhibiting clinical performance of nursing students.A descriptive design was conducted among 400 and 500
level students of the department of Nursing science, University of Maiduguri and Nurses in all medical,
surgical, obstetrics and gynecology wards of university of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. A self developed
questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents by the researcher, the questionnaires were
analyzed using SPSS version 17.0.Hypothesis was tested using chi-square. The following factors were identified
as facilitators of clinical performance by the students and preceptors; Preceptorship and mentorship, good
relationship with nurses, quality supervision, simulation, peer teaching, and learning in an effective clinical
environment. The following factors were identified as inhibiting clinical performance; High levels of stress and
anxiety, Poor interpersonal relationship,Theory-practice-gap,Inadequate clinical time,overcrowded clinical
facilities,shortage of equipment and staff, and lack of feedback. The first null hypothesis stated that there is no
significant relationship between perception of factors facilitating clinical performance and grade in last
clinical experience examination and it was rejected because calculated chisquare (10.155) was greater than
chi square table value(9.488) at 0.05 level of significance and 4df , the second null hypothesis which stated that
there is no relationship between perception of factors inhibiting clinical performance and grade in last clinical
experience examination which was accepted as calculated chi square (4.561) was less than chi-square table
value(9.488) at 0.05 level of significance and 4df, thus null hypothesis accepted. If nursing as a profession must
continue to thrive for years to come then it is recommended that Nursing departments and faculties must ensure
they graduate clinically competent nurses capable of providing care in a variety of settings.
Key Words:[Clinical performance, Perception, Nursing profession, Experience]
I. Introduction
Nursing and Midwifery education in Nigeria involves a systematic direction and guidance of student in
an institution approved by the nursing and midwifery council of Nigeria, preparing students to function as
members of interdisciplinary and intersectorial teams, with the function of graduating Registered Nurses (RN)
and Registered midwives(RM) who have the ability and knowledge to care for clients in a variety of settings1.
The programme develops the students‟ affective, cognitive and psychomotor skills in problem solving1, .In order
to achieve this aim, exposure to clinical practice during training becomes imperative1,2.It is during their clinical
placement that students are expected to develop the relevant knowledge, skills and competence for their
professionalrole3,13.
Subscribing to the notion that nursing is an action profession and that nurses learn by doing, means the
mastery of clinical skills must be a key component of courses leading to registration of nurses4,5. However this
critical aspect of nursing education seems to have posed great challenges for students and trainers alike,with
final year nursing students experiencing apprehension and lack of confidence in fulfilling the expectations and
responsibilities of professional nursing 6,8.
With the dynamic and uncertain nature of the healthcare environment, nursing students must brace up
to face challenges as they develop themselves to become better graduate nurses and maintain a competent
practice to assess patients‟ physical, social and psychological health in a rapidly changing and challenging
environment9,10. It then becomes imperative to understand the perception of preceptors about various factors
influencing effective clinical performance of nursing students; which is “an essential component in preparation
for the reality of their professional role” 11. Since it is apparent that student nurses whether learning to nurse in
an apprentice style course or in a tertiary programme consider clinical learning a significant component of their
education 12,17.
Perception Of Nursing Students And Preceptors About Factors Influencing The Clinical Performance
DOI: 10.9790/1959-04525769 www.iosrjournals.org 58 | Page
II. Materials And Methods
The study is a descriptive design conducted among 400 and 500 levelstudents as at 2011/2012
academic session in the department of Nursing Science University of Maiduguri and Registered Nurses at
University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State,Nigeria. 95 %(n=98) nursing students and 80% (n=95)
Nurses were selected using convenience samplingwith a total sample size of 193 subjects. Ethical clearance was
obtained from university of Maiduguri and university of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital‟s ethical committee. All
participants were informed about the objective of the study, consent obtained before proceeding to answer the
questions and participants were assured of confidentiality of information provided and participation was
voluntarily.A self developed questionnaire was used for data collection. The nurses‟ questionnaire consisted of
four sections.A = Socio Demographic data, B = Perception of factors facilitating effective clinical performance
C = Perception of factors inhibiting effective clinical performance ,D = Perceived rating of clinical performance
of nursing students. The questionnaire consists of 38 items, with 32 close ended questions using the Likert scale
and 6 open ended questions. The questionnaire for the nursing students consists of three sections: A = Socio
Demographic data, B = Perception of factors Facilitating effective clinical performance,C = Perception of
factors inhibiting effective clinical performance .Made up of 33 questions, 26 close ended questions, using the
Likert scale and 7 open ended questions.
The questionnaire was assessed by a lecturer for face and content validity, for reliability a pilot study
was conducted in the School of Nursing, University Of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Borno state Nigeria. The
questionnaires were self-administered by the researcher with the help of two other colleagues who were trained
by the researcher before meeting the respondents. The distribution, filling and retrieval were carried out over a
period of two weeks. Out of 98 questionnaires for the students 95 were retrieved (96% ,retrieval rate) and n= 93
were used for analysis, while for the nurses, n= 88 were retrieved out of n=95 but only n=53 were correctly
answered (55.7% , retrieval rate) and n= 43 useable for analysis. The questionnaires were coded and data
entered into statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 for windows and data analyzed using
descriptive statistics, chi-square was used in testing hypothesis and data were presented using tables and charts.
III. Result
Table 1 Socio-Demographic Data Of Nurses
Variables
Frequency
Percentage (%)
1.
Gender
Male
12
29.3
Female
29
70.7
Total
41
100
2.
Marital status
Single
6
15
Married
34
85
Total
40
100
3.
Religion
Christian
16
39
Muslim
25
61
Total
41
100
4.
Cadre
NO II
14
35
NO I
10
25
SNO
5
12.5
PNO
4
10
ACNO&Above
7
17.5
Total
40
100
5.
Educational qualification
Diploma
21
63.6
Degree
10
30.3
Masters and Above
2
6.1
Total
33
100
6.
Age
29 and below
11
26.2
30-39
12
28.6
40-49
16
38.1
Above 49
3
7.1
Total
42
100
Perception Of Nursing Students And Preceptors About Factors Influencing The Clinical Performance
DOI: 10.9790/1959-04525769 www.iosrjournals.org 59 | Page
Result: Table1 ,Shows the Demographic data of Nurses who participated in the study: there were 29
females(70.7%) and 29.3%(12) males, 15%(6) were singles,85%(34) were married 63.6%(21) are Diploma
holders,30.3%(10) have a Degree and 6.1%(2) have masters,39%(16) were Christians, 61%(25) were
Muslims,35%(14) were NOII,25%(10)-NOI,12.5%(5)-SNO,10%(4) PNO, 17.5%(7) were
ACNO&Above,26.2%(11) were of ages 29 and below, 28.6%(12) were in the range of 30-39, 38.1%(16)
ranged from 40-49 years,7.1%(3) were above 49 years.
Table 2: Nurses Perception of Clinical performance of Nursing students on their ward
s/no
Variables
Frequency
1.
Below standard
6
2.
Fair
18
3.
Ready to learn
4
4.
Satisfactory
3
5.
Good
3
6.
Undecided
9
Total
43
Result: 14%(6) perceived the performance of the students as being below standard, 42%(18) perceived
their performance as being just fair,9.3%(4) perceived the students are ready to learn,6.9%(3) perceived their
performance as satisfactory and good, while 20.9%(9) were undecided about their perception of the students
performance.
Table3: Nurses Perception of students’ performance in certain areas during clinical posting
Variables
Frequency
Percentage(%)
30) student midwives demonstrates responsibility accountability for client care during posting
Positive perception
22
51.2
Negative perception
15
34.9
Undecided
6
13.9
Total
43
100
31) Students adhere to ethical practice standards and codes during procedures and interaction
with clients
Positive perception
21
48.8
Negative perception
14
32.6
Undecided
8
18.6
Total
43
100
32) Students use good time management skills in regard to all aspects of patient care.
Positive perception
15
34.9
Negative perception
16
37.2
Undecided
12
27.9
Total
43
100
33) Students are able to complete assessment that includes a review of systems, and documents
accurately during their clinical posting.
Positive perception
18
42
Negative perception
20
46.5
Undecided
5
11.6
Total
43
100
34) Students carryout aseptic techniques during procedures
Positive perception
27
62.8
Negative perception
11
25.6
Undecided
5
11.6
Total
43
100
35) Diagnostic procedures such as vital signs, urine test (all methods) are carried out rightly on
patients by students during postings.
Positive perception
14
32.6
Negative perception
25
58.1
Undecided
4
9.3
Total
43
100
Result: 51.2%(22) perceived that nursing students demonstrate responsibility for client care,48.8%(21)
had a positive perception about students adherence to ethical standards during procedures, 37.2%(16) had a
negative perception about students use of good time management skills in caring for patients,46.5%(20)
disagreed that nursing students completes assessment and documents sccurately,62.8%(27) agreed that students
carry out aseptic techniques while still 58.1%(25) perceived that students were unable to carry out certain
diagnostic procedures during postings.
Perception Of Nursing Students And Preceptors About Factors Influencing The Clinical Performance
DOI: 10.9790/1959-04525769 www.iosrjournals.org 60 | Page
Table 4: Rating of clinical performance of nursing students on a scale of 1-10 by Nurses
s/no
Variables
Frequency
Percentage (%)
1
2.0
3
7
2
3.0
7
16.3
3
4.0
9
20.9
4
5.0
8
18.6
5
6.0
4
9.3
6
7.0
2
4.7
7
8.0
1
2.3
8
Undecided
9
20.9
Total
43
100
Result:7%(3) rated the students: 2/10,16.3%(7) rated them 3/10,20.9(9)rated them 4/10,18.6%(8)
rated the students 5/10,9.3%(4) rated them 6/10,4.7%(2) rated 7/10,2.3%(1) rated them 8/10and 20.9%(9) were
undecided at the time of study.
Table 5: Nurses perception of factors inhibiting effective clinical performance
Variables
Frequency
Percentage(%)
21. High levels of stress and anxiety impede concentration, memory and problem solving
ability which adversely affects learning
Positive perception
37
86
Negative perception
2
4.6
Undecided
4
9.3
Total
43
100
22. Imparting knowledge gained by years of experience can be difficult and frustrating for
the preceptor and novice alike
Positive perception
17
39.6
Negative perception
13
30.2
Undecided
13
30.2
Total
43
100
23. What is taught in the classroom is not fully applicable to the clinical situation (theory-
practice gap )
Positive perception
26
60.5
Negative perception
9
20.9
Undecided
8
18.6
Total
43
100
24. Constant rotation of students, places more demand on clinical staff due to an
inadequate clinical time for the students.
Positive perception
21
49
Negative perception
14
32.5
Undecided
8
18.6
Total
43
100
25. When students are allocated to the same clinical area in large numbers teaching and
learning are negatively affected.
Positive perception
23
53.4
Negative perception
14
32.6
Undecided
6
14.0
Total
43
100
26. Shortage of equipment and staff are obstacles to the facilitation of student nurses
learning in clinical care.
Positive perception
34
79.1
Negative perception
5
11.6
Undecided
4
9.3
Total
43
100
27. Due to staff shortage midwives and nurses in the wards had no other option but to
direct their energy to the needs of patients.
Positive perception
28
65.1
Negative perception
5
11.6
Undecided
10
23.3
Total
43
100
28. Lack of feedback is perceived in a negative manner and students failed to understand
areas where improvement was needed, offering no opportunity to improve performance.
Positive perception
25
58.1
Negative perception
7
16.3
Undecided
11
25.6
Total
43
100
Perception Of Nursing Students And Preceptors About Factors Influencing The Clinical Performance
DOI: 10.9790/1959-04525769 www.iosrjournals.org 61 | Page
Result: 86%(37) preceptors perceived high levels of stress and anxiety as an inhibiting factor and
39.6%(17) perceived that imparting knowledge gained by years of experience can be difficult and frustrating for
the preceptors and students alike,60.5%(26) perceived theory-practice gap as an inhibiting factor,49%(21)
agreed that in adequate clinical time was a negative factor, while 53.4% (23) felt overcrowded clinical area
affected learning negatively,79.1%(34) perceived shortage of equipment and staff as obstacles to students
learning,65.1%(28) agreed that due to staff shortage, nurses in the wards had no option but to direct their energy
to patients needs,58.1%(25) perceived lack of feedback as an inhibiting factor.
Table 6: Other factors Nurses perceive as inhibiting clinical performance of Nursing students
S/no
Factors
Frequency
Percentage
(%)
1
Negative attitude of students
12
52.2
2
Lack of interest in Nursing
8
34.8
3
University environment not conducive for studying Nursing
2
8.7
4
Inadequate clinical posting
1
4.4
Total
23
100
Result:52.2%(12) preceptors identified that students negative attitude affected their learning
negatively,34.8%(8) perceived that students lack of interest in Nursing affected them negatively, and still
8.7%(2) said the university environment was not really conclusive for studying Nursing,4.4%(1) said the
students are having inadequate clinical posting which affects them negatively.
Table 7: Ways in which Nurses perceive they can positively influence clinical performance of Nursing
students
s/no
Variables
Frequency
Percentage(%)
1
Allowing students carry out various procedures under supervision
6
13.9
2
Providing adequate equipment
2
4.7
3
Teaching and asking questions
15
34.9
4
Giving them more time to learn
5
11.6
5
Motivation
4
9.3
6
Undecided
11
25.6
Total
43
100
Result: 13.9%(6) said that allowing students to carry out procedures under supervision will positively
influence their learning,4.7%(2) perceived that providing adequate equipment will facilitate learning,34.9%(15)
said when students are taught in the ward and allowed to ask questions it will enhance their learning,11.6%(5)
perceived that giving the students more time to learn positively influences learning,9.3%(4) perceived providing
motivational factors will enhance learning,25.6%(11) were undecided about their roles in influencing students
clinical performance.
Table 8: Nursing Students ResponseSocio-Demographic Data
S/no
Variables
Frequency
Percentage (%)
1.
Gender
Male
33
35.5
Female
60
64.5
Total
93
100
2.
Level
400
42
46.7
500
48
53.3
Total
90
100
3.
Mode of entry
UME
46
51.1
Remedial
22
24.4
Direct entry
22
24.4
Total
90
100
4.
Age as at last birthday
20-29
62
79.5
30-39
12
15.4
40-49
3
3.8
Above 50
1
1.3
Total
78
100
5.
Religion
Christian
44
47.8
Muslim
48
52.2
Perception Of Nursing Students And Preceptors About Factors Influencing The Clinical Performance
DOI: 10.9790/1959-04525769 www.iosrjournals.org 62 | Page
Total
92
100
6.
Marital status
Single
53
59.6
Married
35
39.3
Divorced
1
1.1
Total
89
100
4.
Grade in last clinical examination
A
16
17.2
B
38
40.8
C
30
32.3
D
2
2.2
Others
7
7.5
Total
93
100
Result: 64.5%(60) of the respondents were females and 35.5% (33) were male, 46.7%(42) were 400Level
students, 53.3%,(48) were in 500Level. 51.1%(46) were admitted through UME, 24.4%(22) each were admitted
through Remedial and Direct entry. The respondents age as at their last birthday were: 20-29(62,79.5%),30-39(
12,15.4%)40-49(3,3.8%)Above 50(1,1.3%).
44(47.8%) of the Respondents were Christians while 48(52.2%) were Muslims. 53(59.6%) of the respondents
were single,35(39.3%) were married ,1(1.1%) was divorced. Grades obtained, their numbers and percentages
A(16,17.2%)B(38,40.8%)C(30,32.3%)D(2,2.2%)Others(7,7.5%)
Table 9: Students perception of factors facilitating effective clinical performance
Variables
Frequency
Percentage (%)
8. Nursing students need a lot of clinical experience to develop skills and
understanding of patient care.
Positive perception
91
97.8
Negative perception
_
_
Undecided
2
2.2
Total
93
100
9. Student nurses are Novice and need to be taught general rules to help
perform task.
Positive perception
74
79.5
Negative perception
9
9.7
Undecided
10
10.8
Total
93
100
10. Preceptors help nursing students deal with the uncertainty of the clinical
setting which is inherent to gaining proficiency
Positive perception
76
81.7
Negative perception
6
6.5
Undecided
11
11.8
Total
93
100
11. Developing preceptorship and mentorship program within the hospital will
be an effective way to integrate and support the student nurse.
Positive perception
82
88.1
Negative perception
5
5.4
Undecided
6
6.5
Total
93
100
12. A good relationship with nurses, peers and quality supervision facilitates
learning in the clinical field.
Positive perception
92
98.9
Negative perception
1
1.1
Undecided
_
_
Total
93
100
13. Attitudes of students as shown by their Desire to learn, motivation and
willingness influence the success of clinical placement
Positive perception
82
88.2
Negative perception
3
3.2
Undecided
8
8.6
Total
93
100
14. Simulation/use of automated models allows students to practice in a safe
environment and seeing the consequences when wrong decisions are made.
Positive perception
86
92.4
Negative perception
2
2.2
Perception Of Nursing Students And Preceptors About Factors Influencing The Clinical Performance
DOI: 10.9790/1959-04525769 www.iosrjournals.org 63 | Page
Undecided
5
5.4
Total
93
100
15. Preceptors and mentors provide lifelong lessons that ensure the quality of
knowledge within the midwifery profession will remain strong for years to
come.
Positive perception
76
81.7
Negative perception
3
3.2
Undecided
14
15.1
Total
93
100
16. The clinical environment, influence students confidence, competence and
satisfaction with placements and the degree to which their experiences are
regarded as positive
Positive perception
82
88.1
Negative perception
5
5.4
Undecided
6
6.5
Total
93
100
17. Practical knowledge and personal experiences are cornerstones for
integrating theoretical knowledge and skills which are a major reason for
clinical placements
Positive perception
84
90.3
Negative perception
2
2.2
Undecided
7
7.5
Total
93
100
18.Peer learning will be a valuable strategy for teaching and learning in the
clinical field
Positive perception
84
90.3
Negative perception
3
3.2
Undecided
6
6.5
Total
93
100
19. An effective clinical learning environment should encourage the student
midwive to take responsibility for their learning and actively seek out
opportunities for learning
Positive perception
90
96.8
Negative perception
2
2.1
Undecided
1
1.1
Total
93
100
Result:97.8%(91) agreed that they need a lot of clinical experience,79.5%(74) agreed that students are
novice, who need to be taught general rules and 81.7%(76) perceived that preceptors help students deal with the
uncertainty of the clinical setting, the same number perceive that preceptors and mentors provide lifelong
lessons,88.1%(82) perceived that developing preceptorship and mentorship programme will be a good way to
integrate the student, same percentage perceived an effective clinical environment gives students a positive
experience,98.9%(92) perceived a good relationship and quality supervision positively facilitates learning,
attitudes of students as shown by their desire to learn was perceived as a facilitating factor by 88.2%(82)
,92.4%(86) perceived simulation as a facilitating factor,90.3%(84) considered practical knowledge as
cornerstone for experience, same number perceived peer learning as a facilitating factor in the clinical
field,96.8%(90) perceived an effective clinical learning environment will encourage students to take
responsibility for learning.
Table 10: Other factors students perceive will facilitate their clinical performance
s/no
Factors
Frequency
Percentage (%)
1
Punctuality in clinical
6
18.1
2
Adequate facility and mobility to clinical posting
12
36.4
3
Teaching ideal procedures and asking questions when in doubt
4
12.1
4
Respect for midwives and nurses on the wards
3
9.1
5
Accommodation in the clinical area
2
6.1
6
Incentives
3
9.1
7
Graduate nurses should guide students on the wards
3
9.1
Total
33
100
Result: 18.1%(6) students said punctuality in posting will positively influence clinical
performance,36.4%(12) perceived having a means of mobility to clinical area will be a facilitating
factor,12.1%(4) perceived being taught the ideal procedure as positive way to aid learning in the clinical
field9.1%(3) each stated respect for nurses and midwives, use of incentives, and having graduate nurses to guide
students on wards will facilitate clinical performance, and 6.1%(2) perceived having accommodation in the
clinical area as a facilitating factor.
Perception Of Nursing Students And Preceptors About Factors Influencing The Clinical Performance
DOI: 10.9790/1959-04525769 www.iosrjournals.org 64 | Page
Table 11: Students’ perception of factors inhibiting their clinical performance
Variables
Frequency
Percentage(%)
21) High levels of stress and anxiety impede concentration, memory and problem solving
ability which adversely affects learning
Positive perception
88
94.6
Negative perception
3
3.2
Undecided
2
2.2
Total
93
100
22) Poor interpersonal relations and communication between students, registered
nurses,midwives and lecturers, creates stumbling blocks in the guidance of student
midwives.
Positive perception
87
93.5
Negative perception
2
2.2
Undecided
4
4.3
Total
93
100
23) Imparting knowledge gained by years of experience can be difficult and frustrating for
the preceptors and students alike
Positive perception
37
39.8
Negative perception
42
45.2
Undecided
14
15.0
Total
93
100
24) What is taught in the classroom is not fully applicable to the clinical situation (theory-
practice gap).
Positive perception
73
78.5
Negative perception
15
16.1
Undecided
5
5.4
Total
93
100
25) Constant rotation of students, places more demand on clinical staff due to an
inadequate clinical time for the students.
Positive perception
67
72.0
Negative perception
12
13.0
Undecided
14
15.0
Total
93
100
26) When students are allocated to the same clinical area in large numbers teaching and
learning are negatively affected.
Positive perception
77
83
Negative perception
9
9.7
Undecided
7
7.5
Total
93
100
27) Shortage of equipment and staff are obstacles to the facilitation of students learning in
clinical area.
Positive perception
87
93.6
Negative perception
3
3.2
Undecided
3
3.2
Total
93
100
28) Due to staff shortage nurses and midwives in the wards had no other option but to
direct their energy to the needs of patients.
Positive perception
68
73.1
Negative perception
17
18.3
Undecided
8
8.6
Total
93
100
29) Lack of feedback is perceived in a negative manner and students failed to understand
areas where improvement was needed, offering no opportunity to improve performance.
Positive perception
77
82.8
Negative perception
8
8.6
Undecided
8
8.6
Total
93
100
Result: 94.6%(88) perceived high levels of stress and anxiety adversely affects learning, poor
relationship between students, nurses, and lecturers was perceived negatively by 93.5%(87),theory-practice was
perceived as an inhibiting factor by 78.5%(73) of the students, inadequate clinical time was agreed by 72%(67)
of the students, allocated to same clinical area in large numbers affects clinical learning negatively as agreed by
83%(77) students,73%(68) perceived that due to shortage of staff nurses had no time for students, lack of
feedback was perceived negatively by 82.8%(77) of the students.
Perception Of Nursing Students And Preceptors About Factors Influencing The Clinical Performance
DOI: 10.9790/1959-04525769 www.iosrjournals.org 65 | Page
Table 12: Other factors students identified as inhibiting their effective clinical performance
s/no
Factors
Frequency
Percentage
(%)
1
Having lectures and clinical experience at the same time
8
31
2
Financial constraint
3
11.5
3
No mobility to clinical site
4
15.3
4
Students not allowed to perform basic procedures
2
7.7
5
Students lack of interest in Nursing
2
7.7
6
Poor relationship with nurses and other health care personnel
4
15.3
7
Culture and language barrier
3
11.5
Total
26
100
Result: 31%(8) students perceived having lectures and clinical experience at the same time as an
inhibiting factor to effective clinical performance,11.5%(3) each perceived financial constraint and
culture/language barrier as an inhibiting factor,15.3%(4) perceived absence of mobility to clinical area
negatively affected their learning, the same number perceived poor relationship with nurses and midwives and
other health care personnel was an inhibiting factor to clinical learning,7.7%(2) each identified their lack of
interest in nursing affects their clinical performance negatively and students not being allowed to carry out basic
procedures affected them negatively
Table 13: Students responses to open ended questions on factors inhibiting clinical performance
Questions
Frequency
Percentage(%)
30) Do ward midwives allow you to carry out procedures on patient?
Yes
60
65.2
No
11
12.0
Sometimes
21
22.8
Total
92
100
31) Do they supervise you during performance of such procedures?
Yes
40
43.0
No
31
33.3
Sometimes
22
23.7
Total
93
100
32) How were you treated when you made mistakes?
Politely and properly corrected
35
43.2
Fairly
3
3.7
Embarrassed in front of all
40
49.4
Punishment
2
2.5
Mocked
1
1.2
Total
81
100
Result:65.2%(60) students said they were allowed to carry out procedures on patients in the ward, only
43%(40) said they were supervised during such procedures,43.2%(35) were corrected politely when they made
mistakes,49.4%(40) said they were embarrassed by the nurses when they made mistakes,3.7%(3) were treated
fairly,2.5%(2) said they were punished when they made mistakes and 1.2%(1) received mockery for mistakes
made.
Perception Of Nursing Students And Preceptors About Factors Influencing The Clinical Performance
DOI: 10.9790/1959-04525769 www.iosrjournals.org 66 | Page
Result: 14.1%(11) out of the 16 students that had an “A” grade had a negative perception of the
facilitating factors ,while the remaining 6.4%(5) had a positive perception,14.1%(11) out of 28 students that had
a „B‟ grade had anegative perception of facilitating factors,21.8%(17) had a positive perception,15.4%(12) of
the students who had „c‟ perceived the facilitating factors negatively and 19.2%(15) had a positive perception of
these factors, one student(1.3%) with „‟D‟‟ also perceived the facilitating factors negatively, among the students
with the other grades all 7.7%(6) had a positive perception of the facilitating factors.
. Figure 1 Relationship between clinical performance and perception of inhibiting factors
IV. Testing Of Hypotheses
Hypothesis 1: There is no significant relationship between perception of factors facilitating clinical performance
and grade in last clinical experience examination.
Table 16 : Chi-square Test Hypotheses 1
Pearson X2 Value
df
10.155
4
X2C(10.155) >X2 T, (9.488), P value= 0.05 and 4df, Null hypothesis is rejected and restated as there is
significant relationship between perception of factors facilitating clinical performance of nursing students and
grade in last clinical experience examination
Table 14: Relationship between clinical performance and perception of factors facilitating clinical
performanceCrosstabulation: Grade in last clinical experience examination versus perception of
facilitating factors
perception
Grade in last
clinical
experience
examination
Negative perception
Positive perception
Total
A
Count
11
5
16
% of Total
14.1%
6.4%
20.5%
B
Count
11
17
28
% of Total
14.1%
21.8%
35.9%
C
Count
12
15
27
% of Total
15.4%
19.2%
34.6%
D
Count
1
0
1
% of Total
1.3%
.0%
1.3%
0thers
Count
0
6
6
% of Total
.0%
7.7%
7.7%
Total
Count
35
43
78
% of Total
44.9%
55.1%
100.0%
Perception Of Nursing Students And Preceptors About Factors Influencing The Clinical Performance
DOI: 10.9790/1959-04525769 www.iosrjournals.org 67 | Page
Hypothesis 2.There is no significant relationship between perception of factors inhibiting clinical performance
and grade in last clinical experience examination
Table 17: Hypothesis 2
Pearson X2 Value
df
4.561
4
X2C (4.561) < X2 T(9.488) P value= 0.05 and 4df. The null hypothesis is accepted.
V. Discussion
Objective one:On exploring the nurses perception of clinical performance of the nursing students,various
responses were obtained, 53%(18) of the nurses perceived the clinical performance of the students as being fair,
17.6% (6) said it was below standard while only 8.8% (3) perceived their performance as being satisfactory and
good, these are not in agreement with other findings which stated that undergraduate nursing programs are
successful at achieving their aim4. When asked to rate the clinical performance of nursing students on a scale of
1-10, majority of the nurses 26.5%(9) rated them 4/10,this was for both 400 and 500 level. 37.2% (16) perceived
students do not use good time management skills in regard to all aspects of nursing care, however 62.8%(27)
agreed that students carried out aseptic techniques rightly and 48.8%(21) also had a positive perception about
students adherence to ethical practice standards and codes during procedures.
Objective two:The students and preceptors identified the following factors as facilitating clinical performance
thus:Preceptorship and Mentorship; (76) 81.7% of the students and (27) 62.7% perceived that preceptors help
nursing students deal with the uncertainty of the clinical setting and the same percentage of the students
affirmed that preceptors and mentors provide lifelong lessons that ensure the quality of knowledge within the
profession will remain strong for years to come, these concurs with the findings which showed that ”Clinical
preceptorshipprograms, in collaboration with clinical agencies and educational institutions, have been
documented as effective and innovative means of facilitating student learning”19.
A good relationship with nurses, peers and quality supervision was reported by 98.9% (92) of students
and 93% of preceptors as a facilitating factor in clinical performance these findings concur with another finding
whichemphasized the importance of motivational factors such as relationship with supervisors, supervision
received, policy and administration as facilitators of clinical performance19.
Simulation/ use of automated models was perceived by 92.4%(86) of the students and 67.4%(29)
preceptors as facilitators of clinical performance as described in another study21 “ use of human patient
simulators in Nursing education is an excellent tool to measure competency in the application of knowledge and
technical skills which enhances prior learning”. 98.9%(91) students agreed that they need a lot of clinical
experience to develop competence and 79.1%(74) concurred with Patricia Benner that they are Novice and need
to be taught general rules to help perform task.
93% (40) of the preceptors and 90.3% (84) of the students‟concurred with a study49 about positive
outcomes on the effectiveness of peer teaching and learning as it increased students‟ confidence in clinical
practice.An effective clinical learning environment was identified as a facilitator of clinical learning by (96.8%)
90 students and 83.7%(36) preceptors, this agrees with another study46, that an effective learning environment
fosters critical thinking and judgment, allowing students to ask questions without fear, guilt or feeling disloyal.
(88.2%) 82 students noted that their attitude as shown by their desire to learn, motivation and willingness
influences the success of clinical placement.
Factors perceived by preceptors and students as inhibiting effective clinical performance. The factor
with the highest ranking by both respondents as inhibiting clinical performance was: high levels of stress and
anxiety, this agrees with numerous authors9,12,15,25, who indicated that during the preparatory process students at
all educational levels, within all kinds of undergraduate nursing programs reports high levels of stress and
anxiety in the clinical learning environment18 these findings reported that clinical experience is the most
stressful and anxiety provoking component of the undergraduate nursing programme18,19.
Poor interpersonal relationship between students, nurses and lecturers was identified to create a
stumbling block in the guidance of student nurses during clinical placement which concurs with another
findings2
Theory practice gap was perceived in a negative manner 78.5%(73) of the students agreed that what is
taught in the classroom is not fully applicable to the clinical situation. 53.4%(23) of the preceptors concur with
the students, this is in keeping with anotherfinding19who identified the problem of other integrating theory and
practice in selected clinical nursing situations.
Constant rotation of students with inadequate clinical time was regarded as inhibiting factor by
49%(21) of preceptors and 72.1% (67) of the students.77%(83) students and 53.4% (23) preceptors were in
agreement that when student nurses are allocated to the same clinical area in large numbers teaching and
learning were negatively affected. The clinical learning environment should provide teaching and learning
Perception Of Nursing Students And Preceptors About Factors Influencing The Clinical Performance
DOI: 10.9790/1959-04525769 www.iosrjournals.org 68 | Page
opportunities, space, and equipment health and safety requirements for appropriate placement of student
nurses16.
Shortage of equipment and staff was perceived negatively by 93.6%(87) students and 79.1%(34)
preceptors, the gap between theory and practice is accelerated by the lack of equipment in clinical practice
making it difficult for the registered nurse to teach student nurses, Finally lack of feedback was identified by
82.8%(77) students and 58.1% (25) preceptors as an inhibiting factor, another study stated that constructive
feedback was perceived in a positive manner and offered opportunity to improve performance, therefore when
there is no feedback little opportunity is offered for improvement21.
Objective three: Using the grades of students in the last clinical experience examination as a measure of their
clinical performance, a cross tabulation was made between the grades and perception of facilitating and
inhibiting factors as identified by the students.
It was found that majority of the students had a positive perception of factors facilitating clinical
performance as identified by the preceptors and students except for the students who had “A” grade12.9%(11)
out of 16 had a negative perception of factors identified by both students and preceptors as inhibiting and
facilitating clinical performance ,they perceived those inhibitory factors did not actually inhibit their clinical
performance, nor did the facilitating factors influence them positively.
The first null hypothesis stated there was nosignificant relationship between perception of factors
facilitating clinical performance and grade in last clinical experience examination was tested using chi square
test. X2 C (10.155) >X2T(9.488),P value = 0.05 and 4df, the null hypothesis was rejected and restated.
The second hypothesis stated there was no relationship between perceptionof factors inhibiting clinical
performance and grade in last clinical experience examination. X2C(4.561) <X2 T(9.488) P value=0.05 and4df.
The null hypothesis was accepted as perception of inhibiting factors had no significant effect on the students
grade in last clinical experience examination.
VI. Conclusion
The study found that preceptors perceive the clinical performance of Bachelor Nursing science students
as being below standard, and the following factors identified as facilitators of clinical performance by both
students and preceptors: preceptorship and mentorship, good relationship with nurses, quality supervision,
simulation, peer teaching, and learning in an effective clinical environment. The following factors were
identified as inhibiting clinical performance; high levels of stress and anxiety, poor interpersonal relationship,
theory-practice gap, inadequate clinical time, overcrowded clinical facilities, shortage of equipment and staff,
and lack of feedback. The first null hypothesis which stated there was no significant relationship
betweenperception of factors facilitating clinical performance and grade in clinical examination was rejected
and restated while the second null hypothesis which stated there was no significant relationshipbetween
inhibiting factors and performance was accepted.
Acknowledgement
I wish to acknowledge Dr Oyetunde Modupe for her support to ensure this work is complete
Conflict of interest- Non
References
[1] Altman,T.L.,2006. Preceptor selection, orientation and evaluation in baccalaurate Nursing Education. International Journal of
nursing scholarship, 3(1): 1-16.
[2] Andrews.G., Brodie,A., Andrew.J., Hillan,E., Thomas, B., Wang, J.,Rixon, L., 2006.A qualitataive study of nursing students
perceptions and some models for practice. International Journal of nursing studies, 43 (7): 861:874.
[3] Bartleff.H., Simonite.V.,Westcott.E., Taylor. H., 2000. A comparison of the nursing competence of graduates and Diplomates from
U.K Nursing programmes, Journals of clinical nursing, 9:369-379.
[4] Chan, D.S., 2001a. Development of an innovative tools to assess hospital learning environment. Nurse Education Today, 21:624-
631.
[5] Chan, D.S .,2001b. Combining qualitative & quantitative methods in assessing hospital learning environment, International journal
of nursing studies, 38:447-459.
[6] Cope.P.,Cauthbertson.P., Stoddert.B., (2000). Situated Learning in the practice placement. Journal of Advanced nursing 31(4):850-
856.
[7] Cook, J.L., 2005. Inviting teaching behavior of clinical faculty and nursing students‟ anxiety. Journal of Nursing Education, 44:156-
161.
[8] Davhana 2000. Problems in integrating theory with practice in selected clinical nursing situation, Curationis 31(1):9-27.
[9] Distler J.W., 2007. Critical thinking and clinical competence: result of the implementation of student center teaching strategies in
advanced practice nurse curriculum. Nurse education in practice 7(1):53-59.
[10] Gray, M.A.,Smith L.N., 2000. The qualities of an effective mentor form the students nurse perspective. Journal of Advanced
Nursing, 2000, 32(6): 1542-1549.
Perception Of Nursing Students And Preceptors About Factors Influencing The Clinical Performance
DOI: 10.9790/1959-04525769 www.iosrjournals.org 69 | Page
[11] Issenberg, S.B., Macaghie, W.C.,Pertrusa, E.R., Gordon, D.L.,Scalese R., 2005. Features and uses of high fidelity medical
simulations that lead to effective learning‟ systematic review, Medical Teacher, 27:10 -28.
[12] Jackson D. &Mannix J., 2001. Clinical nurses as teachers insights from students of nursing in their first semesters of study Journal
of clinical Nursing 10(2):270-2701.
[13] Kavian. N., Stillwell.Y.,2006.An evaluative study of clinical preceptorship. Nurse Education Today, 20(3): 218-226.
[14] Kilcullen.N, 2007. Said Another Way. Nursing Forum, 42(2)3 95-102.
[15] Lipinge, S.N., Venter, E.S., 2003. Student nurses, experiences during a rural community placement program in Namibia, curationis
26(4):572
[16] McAllister.L,,Linconln. M., Mc.Leod.,Maloney.A., 2007. Facilitating learning in clinical settings.Nelson Thorns, Ltd. Choltenham.
[17] Neary.M.,2000. Students‟ survival kit: A return to the practical room.Nurse Education Today,17(1):46-52
[18] Nehring,W.M.,Lashley, F.R., 2001. Human patient simulators in nursing education, an overview simulation and Learning 32:194 -
204.
[19] Nursing and Midwiffery council of Nigeria., 2005. Basic curriculum.
[20] Quinn.F., 2000. Teaching and Assessing in clinical practice Greenwich, University press. London.
[21] Samad., 2005. cited in Hanan al-Ahmadi.,2009 factors affecting performance of hospital nurses in Riyad. International Journal of
Health care quality assurance 22 (1).
[22] Secomb .J., 2007.systematic review of peer teaching and learning in clinical education, Journal of clinical Nursing vol.12(6):703 -
716.
[23] ShiptonS.P .,2002.The process of seeking stress care. Journal of Nursing Education 41:243-256.
[24] Timmins.F., Kaliszer.M.,2002. Fact finding sample-survey. Nurse Education Today,22:203-211.
... A questionnaire was used for data collection. It comprised three sections: sections A and B were self-constructed, while section C was adapted from Dlama et al. [6] in their study on perception of nursing students and preceptors regarding factors influencing the clinical performance of nursing students. The instrument from Dlama et al. [6] consists of 16 ques tions (related to our work). ...
... It comprised three sections: sections A and B were self-constructed, while section C was adapted from Dlama et al. [6] in their study on perception of nursing students and preceptors regarding factors influencing the clinical performance of nursing students. The instrument from Dlama et al. [6] consists of 16 ques tions (related to our work). All the questions were used in the pilot study. ...
... Other important factors that previous studies have identified as influencing nursing students' attitude to clinical exposure (either positively or negatively) are: preceptorship and mentorship, good relationship with nurses, clinical supervision, professional role acceptance, simulation, peer teaching and learning, high levels of stress and anxiety, poor interpersonal relationships, theory-practice gap, inadequate clinical time, overcrowded clinical facilities, shortage of equipment and staff and lack of feedback. [6,9,14,15] Factors at an academic level that have been similarly identified are programme of study, ineffective communication, inadequate preparation and emotional reactions. [16,17] Fisher's exact test indicated no significant association between students' attitude to clinical exposure and factors influencing their attitude towards clinical exposure, although a high proportion had a positive attitude, with high reported factors affecting their attitude. ...
... It is debated that academic grade in the classroom may not always reflect students' competence in the clinical or practice setting [4]. Earlier studies found that the theory-practice gap is one of the inhibitory factors to the clinical performance of nursing students [5], [12]. In an integrative literature review, the authors identified that only a few had investigated the factors that affect the clinical performance of students [13]. ...
... This may also suggest that an opportunity exists for students who have performed well academically in theoretical classroom instruction to excel in the practical part of the program based on non-academic skill sets that the student can use in the clinical setting [18]. Scholars in nursing and other healthrelated professions found non-academic variables ranging from student, faculty, staff, and learning environment related factors influencing clinical performance or competence of students in medical, nursing, and allied health professions [12], [20], [31], [32]. These other factors influencing the clinical placement or practicum of nursing that warrants further investigation. ...
Article
Full-text available
In nursing education, it is expected that theory underlies practice. However, studies have indicated nursing students still experience theory and practice gap. This study attempted to determine the relationship between theoretical classroom instruction and Related Learning Experienc es (RLE) of nursing students. Using existing data set of nursing graduates in a Philippine Nursing University f or a five-year cohort (N=653), this study employed a descriptive correlational research design. Pearson's correlation and simple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results indicated that a significant relationship existed between theoretical classroom instruction and RLE performance of nursing students. Theoretical classroom instruction explained 64% of the variance in RLE. This study highlights the importance of good theoretical instruction in predicting the performance of nursing students in the practicum or RLE component of nursing education and training. Success in the didactic portion significantly contributes to the success of the practical part of the nursing curriculum. Nursing academic institutions must continually strive to promote the transfer of learning from classroom to actual care setting to help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
... It is debated that academic grade in the classroom may not always reflect students' competence in the clinical or practice setting [4]. Earlier studies found that the theory-practice gap is one of the inhibitory factors to the clinical performance of nursing students [5], [12]. In an integrative literature review, the authors identified that only a few had investigated the factors that affect the clinical performance of students [13]. ...
... This may also suggest that an opportunity exists for students who have performed well academically in theoretical classroom instruction to excel in the practical part of the program based on non-academic skill sets that the student can use in the clinical setting [18]. Scholars in nursing and other health-related professions found non-academic variables ranging from student, faculty, staff, and learning environment related factors influencing clinical performance or competence of students in medical, nursing, and allied health professions [12], [20], [31], [32]. These other factors influencing the clinical placement or practicum of nursing that warrants further investigation. ...
Preprint
In nursing education, it is expected that theory underlies practice. However, studies have indicated that a theory and practice gap is still experienced by nursing students. This study attempted to determine the relationship between theoretical classroom instruction and Related Learning Experiences (RLE) of nursing students. Using existing data sets, this study employed a descriptive correlational research design of nursing graduates in a Philippine Nursing University for a five-year cohort (N=653). Pearson's correlation tested for the relationship between variables. Significant relationship existed between theoretical classroom instruction and RLE performance of nursing students. Moreover, theoretical classroom instruction explained 64% of variance in RLE. This study highlights the importance of good theoretical instructions in predicting performance of students in practicum or RLEs. Success in the didactic portion significantly contributes to the success on the practical component of the nursing curriculum. Nursing academic institutions must continually strive in promoting transfer of learning from classroom to actual care setting to help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
... In this study, students were excluded from the clinical environment due to prevalence of ovoid 19 and therefore wrote nursing document for scenarios presented in the virtual environment. Numerous studies also confirm that interaction with others in the real environment facilitates the achievement of clinical competence in students (44,45). According to the results of the present study, Competency-based education compared to traditional methods has a positive effect no significant on the documentation skills. ...
Article
Full-text available
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of education on competency on documenting skills of nursing students. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with the statistical population of nursing students of Fasa University of Medical Sciences in 2020. Using the sample size formula for a limited population, 39 students participated in the study. Data collection tool was admission-clearance checklist. First, the quality of students' reporting was scored in two groups. The intervention group saw the competency-based method and the control group saw the lecture method in virtual education. Documentation skills were scored two weeks and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS 24 software at a significance level of = 0.05. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference between the scores of documentation skills at the beginning of admission and discharge in the two groups before training, two weeks and one month after training on competency (p <0.05). However, the intervention group showed an increasing trend compared to the control group. Conclusion: Training on competency has no positive effect on documentation skills compared to traditional methods.
... % of 3rd year B.Sc. Nursing students agreed that clinical posting provide learning opportunities. This study is congruent with [16] an effective clinical learning environment will encourage students to take responsibility for learning. whereas According to [17] students reported that their learning opportunities were compromised due to increased workload The current results generally showed that Less than half (38.3%) of 1st year B.Sc. Nursing students and 25.8% of 3rd year B.Sc. Nursing students agreed that clinical supervisors have a positive effect during clinical posting. ...
Article
Full-text available
Clinical posting is a vital component and fundamental to nursing students learning which provides them direct, real experience of nursing profession as they participate in routine nursing activities of the ward. Nursing students perceived their clinical learning environment as stressful and anxiety aggravating. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the perception about clinical posting among 1st year B.Sc. nursing and 3rd year B.Sc. nursing in selected College of nursing, Haryana. Method: A descriptive research design was carried out among 40 B.Sc. Nursing students by using convenient sampling technique. The tool used was students’ self-perception rating scale (Likert 5 point perception scale) which includes 30 questions regarding the perception about clinical posting. Result: More than half (60%) of students from 1st year B.Sc. nursing had positive perception regarding clinical posting and as the year of study progresses, 3rd year B.Sc. Nursing students’ perception were changed as more than half (70%) of students from 3rd year B.Sc. nursing had also positive perception regarding clinical posting. There is much less difference (10%) in their level of perception between 1st year B.Sc. nursing students and 3rd year B.Sc. nursing student regarding their clinical posting. Nursing students were satisfied with their clinical posting and also have positive perception about clinical posting. Conclusion: The increasing number of clinical posting, students mind mend towards their clinical learning environment. A student perceives their clinical posting positively as they progress from one year to other year.
... 29 A study done in Nigeria also revealed that good relationship between students and clinical preceptors was a facilitating factor of students clinical performances. 30 A study done in Ethiopia at universities in Amhara region 23 and Dilla University 24 indicated that students who had good interactions with clinical staffwere more clinically competent than their counterparts. In contrast to these previous studies there was no association between staff-student interaction and clinical practice competence in the present study. ...
Article
Full-text available
Introduction Clinical practice competence is the ability to effectively integrate cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills during the delivery of health care. It is the concern and the center of attention for the managers, professional associations, government, and society as a whole. Therefore, identifying the level of clinical practice competence of students and taking appropriate action is crucial. The aim of the present study was to investigate clinical practice competence of nursing students in Mettu University. Methods A cross-sectional study was employed on 105 nursing students at Mettu University from February to April, 2019. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were entered into EpiData manager version 4.2.2 and exported to statistical package for the social science (SPSS) version 20.0 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions. The statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results Out of the total participants involved, 102 participants returned the questionnaire making response rate of 97.1%. Majority 78 (76.5%) of participants were males with the mean age of 23.05 (SD = 1.11) years. The overall clinical practice competence of participants was 2.03 (SD = 0.54) which indicates clinical practice incompetence. Year of study [AOR 4.9; 95%, CI: 0.04, 16.53] and clinical practice placement [AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: 0.1, 14.86] were the identified associated factors of clinical practice competence at p<0.05. Conclusion Clinical practice competence of nursing students was inadequate to provide quality, safe and satisfying nursing care. This could not meet patients holistic needs and may even bringfear, stress, anxiety and unnecessary errors by students at clinical sites. Nursing schools and teaching hospitals should collaborate to enhance the nursing students clinical practice competence.
... Self-actualization was the highest interpersonal need. 28 The preceptor recognized the learning needs of the new nurse in the hospital ward. ...
Article
Objective: It is not uncommon for new nurses to experience dissatisfaction and underperformance in their professional practice as a nurse in their first year on the job. In this transitional phase, new nurses need a preceptor to guide them. The provision of preceptor guidance with caring value and support for new nurse self-efficacy is a critical element that new nurses require. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between caring preceptor, self-efficacy, job satisfaction, and the performance of new nurses. Method: The research method used a cross-sectional design based on a sample set of 123 new nurses selected using the total population sampling method. Data were analyzed using correlation testing and multiple linear regression. Results: The results showed that there was a strong correlation between a caring preceptor and job satisfaction (r=0.522, p=0.0001) and new nurse performance (r=0.572, p=0.0001). There was a moderate correlation between self-efficacy with job satisfaction (r=0.371, p=0.0001) and new nurse performance (r=0.240, p=0.008). Conclusion: For new nurses, the presence of a caring preceptor and self-efficacy are predictors of job satisfaction and performance. The preceptor had to care, which contributed to increasing the self-efficacy of new nurses.
Article
Full-text available
Background: There are many barriers experienced by nursing students and affect the quality of practical training and also affect students' satisfaction about their training. Aim: This study was conducted to assess practical training barriers among nursing students in critical care settings Method: This study was conducted in Central laboratory at Faculty of Nursing Ain Shams University and Critical care settings at Ain Shams University hospital. Sample: Purposive sample of 70 2nd year students were recruited in the present study. Tools: 1) Student Interview Questionnaire.2) Student Satisfaction Level Questionnaire. Results: The present study revealed that students' practical learning is affected by many barriers including barriers related to communication between student and faculty staff and nursing staff working at critical care units, lack of training opportunities, lack of equipment and supplies, unavailability of simulators at skills lab and presence of theory practice gap. Also, more than half of studied students are satisfied with practical training at critical care settings. Conclusion: The results of this study concluded that there were many barriers facing students during clinical training at critical care (at hospital and faculty), also students have a moderate satisfactory level about their practical training. Recommendations: Further studies should be designed to overcome the barriers that have negative effect on clinical training quality and students' satisfaction about their practical training at critical care units.
Article
Full-text available
Professional competency will be a critical performance outcome in the years ahead. Current investigations have found an alarming increase in the morbidity and morality rates of individuals in hospitals across the United States. With such findings, the competency levels of health care professionals, including nurses, are under scrutiny. The use of human patient simulators (adult and pediatric) in baccalaureate and graduate nursing education provides an excellent, objective tool by which to measure competency in the application of knowledge and technical skills. Emphasis is placed on educational, research, and evaluative applications of the simulators for nursing education. Critical Incident Nursing Management is further described as an instructional framework for the use of this technology. Last, administrative considerations will be addressed.
Article
Full-text available
The qualities of an effective mentor from the student nurse’s perspective: findings from a longitudinal qualitative study Parker and Carlisle (Journal of Advanced Nursing24, 771–778) argue that there is a scarcity of empirical research focusing on issues such as supernumerary status and mentorship in Project 2000 courses from the students’ perspective. This paper presents the findings of a longitudinal cohort study using Grounded Theory to discover the effect(s) of mentorship on student nurses following the introduction of the 1992 programme of education leading to a Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing and registration with the United Kingdom Central Council (UKCC). The cohort consisted of 10 students from a large Scottish College of Nursing & Midwifery who were interviewed on five occasions during the three years of their course. Students also kept a diary to record their thoughts and experiences regarding mentorship during their practice placements. In addition, a further seven students volunteered to participate by diary only. Data were analysed with the aid of NUD.IST and subjected to the constant comparative method of analysis. Findings indicate that Diploma students quickly lose their idealistic view of their mentor and over time develop an insight into the qualities they perceive are required of an effective mentor. Students quickly become aware of the importance of choosing good role models and learning their own mentor’s likes and dislikes as they realize this impinges on the outcome of their assessment. As students move into their Branch programme, a gradual distancing from their mentor is evident. This coincides with a development in their confidence, skills and a holistic perspective of care.
Article
Full-text available
This study explored baccalaureate nursing students' perceptions of inviting teaching behaviors of clinical nursing faculty and students' state anxiety while interacting with faculty during clinical experiences. A total of 229 junior and senior generic baccalaureate nursing students comprised the sample. Participants completed three questionnaires: a demographic data questionnaire, the Clinical Teaching Survey, and a Self-Evaluation Questionnaire, designed to measure state anxiety. Results indicated there were moderate negative correlations between students' perceptions of the personally and professionally inviting teaching behaviors of clinical faculty and students' self-reports of state anxiety. A stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that perceptions of personally inviting teaching behaviors explained 41% of the variance in students' state anxiety. Junior students rated faculty higher on personally and professionally inviting teaching behaviors than did senior students. However, both groups of students scored similarly on self-reports of state anxiety while interacting with clinical faculty. Findings indicate that clinical faculty should be intentionally aware of how their teaching behaviors are perceived by students and influence student anxiety during clinical experiences.
Article
This paper reviews the literature on nursing competence measurement and reports the results of a comparative quantitative study of the competencies of Project 2000 diplomates and BA (Hons) Adult Nursing graduates from two UK nursing programmes. The findings reveal that graduates appear to overcome any initial limitations and become more competent than the diplomates in certain areas. Attention to social awareness and participation is necessary in both pre-registration programmes, whilst greater attention could be given to graduates' leadership and management development. Diplomates need support in their professional development if they are to achieve the same level of competence as graduates during the first post-qualifying year. There are implications for the level of support afforded to qualifying nurses in their first staff positions; preceptorship programmes could be an important means of assisting newly qualified staff to gain confidence. More research on nurse competencies with larger samples drawn from programmes across the UK is needed.
Article
Clinical preceptorships, in collaboration between clinical agencies and educational institutions have been documented as an effective and innovative means of facilitating student learning, providing advantages for both the clinical and educational settings. A preceptorship programme of 100 hours duration was developed and delivered by the nurse education institute, in consultation with a health care organization. The objectives of the preceptorship programme were to help registered nurses, in partnership with clinical nurse educators, to effectively integrate, support and assist the development of clinical competence in the undergraduate nursing student. Following the implementation of the preceptorship programme a research study was conducted to evaluate programme effectiveness. The purpose of the study was to examine preceptors, preceptees, and nurse managers' preceptions of the preceptor role and factors which influenced the performance of preceptors. The methods used in this study included those commonly found in evaluation research. That is, participants were drawn from those who were involved, either directly or indirectly, in the preceptorship programme, namely preceptors, preceptees and nurse managers. Using focus groups, they were each asked to identify the outcomes of the programme in practice. Study findings highlighted the importance of formal preceptor preparation, which was shown to enhance teaching and learning opportunities for student preceptees, personal and professional development of the preceptors, and the promotion of positive partnerships between nurse educators and nurse practitioners. The need for formal recognition of the preceptor role in practice, particularly in relation to the provision of adequate time and resources, emerged from the study. The research findings enabled the development of an evaluative model of preceptorship, which highlights the intrinsic and extrinsic factors impacting on the preceptor role.
Article
Clinical education is a vital component in the curricula of pre-registration nursing courses and provides student nurses with the opportunity to combine cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills. Clinical practice enables the student to develop competencies in the application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes to clinical field situations. It is, therefore, vital that the valuable clinical time be utilised effectively and productively. Nursing students' perception of the hospital learning environment were assessed by combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The Clinical Learning Environment Inventory, based on the theoretical framework of learning environment studies, was developed and validated. The quantitative and qualitative findings reinforced each other. It was found that there were significant differences in students' perceptions of the actual clinical learning environment and their preferred learning environment. Generally, students preferred a more positive and favourable clinical environment than they perceived as being actually present.
Article
• This paper reports the findings of a study which sought to gain insights about the role of clinical nursing staff in the planned clinical experience of undergraduate nursing students. • This study differs from others in that the perspectives of students of nursing in their first year of the undergraduate programme are sought, and the role of clinical nurses rather than clinical teachers is of particular interest. • Using a story-telling approach, an exploration of students’ perspectives on the role of clinical nursing staff in their clinical learning was undertaken. • Analysis allowed findings to be grouped into helpful and unhelpful behaviours. • Helpful behaviours included understanding and being friendly, showing interest and explaining. Behaviours that students found unhelpful to their learning were often passive rather than active, but they made students feel acutely aware of being unwelcome in the clinical area. Several students described feeling intrusive, uncomfortable and even unwelcome in clinical areas because of the attitudes and behaviour of clinicians. • Findings of this study highlight the importance of clinicians and academic nurses working together to ensure that students of nursing, who represent the future of the profession, are provided with the best possible opportunities for clinical learning.
Article
Nursing as a profession has evolved in response to societal needs for well-prepared practitioners who provide quality care to the needed in episodes of illness, and promote health among all age groups. Clinical practice enables the student to develop competencies in the application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes to clinical field situations. The clinical learning environment is a multidimensional entity with a complex social context. Previous research on clinical learning environment was examined, yet minimal studies have been conducted on hospital learning environments from the psychosocial educational perspective. With the mission to maximize nursing students' clinical learning experiences, the author developed and validated the Clinical Learning Environment Inventory (CLEI) based on the theoretical framework in psychosocial education. It is envisaged that this tool will assist the nurse professional to facilitate nursing students to achieve a productive clinical practice. This paper highlights the need and details the conceptual framework in the development of the CLEI. Although it is not presented as a research based paper, some statistical data are included to verify the reliability and validity of the newly-developed instrument.
Article
This study examined reported stress in 12 areas commonly reported to cause stress to nursing students. A questionnaire was distributed to 110 third-year nursing students, and the results indicate that stress exists for students in both the clinical and academic aspects of the programme. Financial constraints and academic-related concerns emerged as the most stressful areas for the students. A third of the students reported that relationships with teachers and staff on the ward cause some degree of stress. Factor analysis revealed that five factors emerged as sources of stress. Firstly, 'academic' stress factors. The second and third components concern relationships, the former involving teaching-related staff, and the latter involving the clinical experience. The last two components suggest that finance and death of patients are independent sources of stress. Major restructuring is about to take place in nurse education in Ireland, with the introduction of degree preparation for all nursing students in 2002. It is imperative that those involved with nursing students, both in the clinical area and in education settings, take cognisance of the stress that current students face. Recommendations for educators include adequate support structures for clinical areas, preceptorship programmes and the availability of student counselling services.
Article
The reviewed nursing curriculum in Namibia incorporated issues related to Primary Health Care and diversification in the practical field for student nurses. This means that the students are exposed more to their communities than before. Nurses identify, manage and refer, if need be, the problems at this level. The curriculum facilitates and strengthens problem-solving skills and enhances the ability of nurses to adapt a comprehensive and family centred approach. The aim of this article is to describe the process of the rural placement of nursing students and to describe the experiences of the students as derived from the placement programme in districts in the central health directorate. Both positive and negative experiences are described. It is clear that the students have gained self-confidence in problem management. This article further confirms that learning experiences in the community setting is comparable to the hospital and other clinical learning settings in facilitating student's personal and academic development.