Obstetrical staff nurses experiences of clinical learning

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Learning Experiences
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Clinical learning experiences are integral to nursing programs globally.
• Understanding staff nurses' perspectives on clinical education is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore staff nurses' experiences with undergraduate nursing students during clinical learning.
• To gain insight into the dynamics of clinical education from the preceptor's viewpoint.

Main Methods:

• Employed Naturalistic Inquiry methodology.
• Conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 staff nurses on a Family Birth Center.
• Utilized the constant comparative method for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified five key themes: Giving and Receiving, Advancing Professionally and Personally, Balancing Act, Getting to Know and Working with You, and Past and Present.
• Highlighted the profound and lasting impact of staff nurses on student development.
• Revealed a need for enhanced preparation and selection of clinical preceptors.

Conclusions:

• Staff nurses play a critical role in shaping future nursing professionals.
• There is a need for structured support systems, including incentives and recognition, for nurses precepting students.
• Joint responsibility between clinical agencies and universities is essential for successful clinical learning environments.