'We want an allocation to theatre!' Diploma level nursing students have their say

The aim of this study was to ascertain the perceptions of diploma level nursing students towards theatre nursing and whether these perceptions had any influenced on their choosing a career in operating department nursing. The study was qualitative in its approach, using a questionnaire as the main research tool, to focus on thirty-three second year diploma level nursing students. The main findings were that 94% of the students felt that a set allocation to the operating theatre would be invaluable, as it would enhance the nursing care they gave to their patients on the ward. The study also found that the students did not have a real understanding of the theatre nurse's role, with only one third of the students seeing the theatre nurse carrying out patient care. This perceived lack of patient care had a major effect on them not wishing to choose theatre nursing as a career, once qualified. The results of this study suggest that the profile of theatre nursing must be raised to attract greater numbers of students to the speciality.