Public schools as a clinical setting for RN students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Public Health
• Community Health

Background:

• Educators face challenges in identifying effective clinical placement sites for Registered Nurse (RN) students.
• The role of public schools as introductory clinical settings for nursing students is often overlooked.
• School health programs rely on the expertise of RNs, highlighting the need for integrated learning experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the significance of public schools as clinical sites for RN students.
• To examine the contributions of RNs within school health programs.
• To understand student responses and adaptations to clinical experiences in a school setting.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of student experiences and adaptations in school settings.
• Assessment of the role and impact of RNs in school health programs.
• Evaluation of the suitability of public schools as clinical placement sites.

Main Results:

• Public schools offer a valuable initial clinical site for RN students.
• RNs play a crucial role in school health, providing essential services and mentorship.
• Students demonstrated positive responses and successful adaptations to the school environment.

Conclusions:

• Public schools are a viable and beneficial setting for RN clinical rotations.
• This experience supports the professional education of RN to BSN students.
• Placements in schools provide a valuable service to the community while advancing nursing education.