Experiences of student nurses in the Northern Cape regarding their clinical accomplishment

[摘要] English: Clinical accompaniment of nursing students is a very important dimension of nursing education and training. Being the corner-stone of nursing education, it orientates and prepares the students for clinical practice. Additional accredited clinical facilities that are very far from the college concerned, decreased clinical accompaniment by lecturers and the reality of a shortage of professional nurses in the clinical facilities has a detrimental effect on clinical accompaniment, which is likely to have an impact on the students. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the experiences of these students, as well as what should constitute ideal clinical accompaniment. The purpose of the study, therefore, was to explore and describe the experiences of student nurses regarding their clinical accompaniment.A qualitative study within the paradigm of the phenomenology with explorative, descriptive and contextual designs was followed. Data were collected through the use of focus group interviews.Seven focus groups interviews were conducted and each group consisted of eight to ten participants. After the data collection process the interviews were transcribed immediately. Tesch`s steps of data analysis were used and the following main categories were identified: Inability to achieve objectives, integration of theory and practice, support, professional conduct, clinical learning opportunities, consistent accompaniment, resources and communication.The findings illustrated that there was a lack of support and resources (material and human), insufficient coordination and communication between the nursing college and the clinical facilities, as well as deficient professional conduct. Recommendations include: The development of a structured clinical accompaniment plan; the college and the clinical facilities should foster clear communication channels to ensure adequate guidance and support of students. and the appointment and training of preceptors may address some of the challenges regarding clinical accompaniment of students.

[发布机构] University of the Free State