Nursing diagnoses determined by first year students: a vignette study

The study aimed to determine the ability of first year students in identifying nursing diagnoses.

In a descriptive evaluation study, an expert-validated vignette containing 18 nursing diagnoses was used.

The students determined 15 nursing diagnoses. The highest percentages of diagnoses identified were disturbed sleep pattern and nutrition imbalance. Students also considered medical diagnoses as nursing diagnoses: hypertension and tachycardia.

Despite the fact that students were only at the end of their first semester and had limited clinical experience, they successfully identified the majority of nursing diagnoses.

Patient case study vignettes are recommended for education. To foster students' knowledge and experience, it is also suggested that evaluating nursing diagnoses in clinical practicals becomes a requirement.