Perceptions and experiences of undergraduate nursing students of clinical supervision

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Differences were observed in clinical demonstration and assessment techniques of clinical supervisors involved with the supervision of undergraduate nursing students at an institution of higher education. These differing techniques displayed by the clinical supervisors may have implications for the standard of nursing care provided by the students and the throughput of these students. A qualitative approach with a descriptive design was applied to explore the perceptions and experiences of the undergraduate nursing students' on clinical supervision. Nine (n=9) students were deliberately selected by means of purposive sampling from each year to participate in focus group interviews. Nine 1st year students, nine 2nd year students, nine 3rd year students and nine 4th year students respectively constituted the groups that were interviewed. Thus the total sample consisted of n=36 nursing students. Consent to conduct the study was obtained from the Health Research Ethical Committee at Stellenbosch University, as well the institution under study. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Data collection was completed by two trained fieldworkers who were not affiliated with the institution under study. The interviews were analysed through content analysis. Six themes emerged from the data. These included support, professionalism, realities of supervision, student preferences regarding supervisors, experiences that relate to abusive behaviour and the clinical supervision process. The findings indicated negative and positive experiences on clinical supervision. Recommendations were proposed to enhance clinical supervision and the learning experiences of student nurses. Key words: Clinical supervision, undergraduate nursing, clinical supervisor, clinical practice, differing techniques.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University