Identifying clinical learning needs using structured group feedback: first year evaluation of pre-registration...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Midwifery Education
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Clinical placements are vital for student nurse and midwife preparation.
• Understanding student experiences identifies facilitators and barriers to clinical learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore first-year nursing and midwifery students' experiences in clinical settings.
• To identify factors that facilitate or hinder clinical learning.

Main Methods:

• Structured group feedback was employed.
• A convenience sample of 223 first-year nursing and midwifery students participated.
• Data were collected from students at one Irish university.

Main Results:

• Key issues identified were clinical learning facilitation and student learning needs.
• Positive learning environments, supportive staff, and reflection opportunities were highly valued.
• Approximately 200 students provided feedback on their clinical degree program aspects.

Conclusions:

• Supportive mentoring staff are essential for enhancing student learning in clinical practice.
• Students desire increased opportunities for reflection during placements.
• Collaborative approaches are needed to adapt practice environments for student learning.