Preregistration nursing students' perspectives on the learning, teaching and application of bioscience knowledge...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Biosciences in Healthcare
• Clinical Practice Integration

Background:

• Nursing curricula increasingly integrate bioscience, moving from traditional methods.
• Student nurses acknowledge bioscience's value but face learning challenges.
• Prior research often overlooked bioscience learning within practice settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore student nurses' experiences with bioscience learning, teaching, and application in practice.
• To apply social learning theory, specifically communities of practice, to understand these experiences.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological study design.
• Focus groups and interviews with seven student nurses across two campuses.
• Thematic analysis of data collected at the end of years one and two.

Main Results:

• Limited opportunities for bioscience learning were identified in practice settings.
• Bioscience learning, teaching, and application were perceived as less valued than other placement activities.
• Students requested more structured, integrated approaches and peer learning in both university and practice.

Conclusions:

• Students recognize bioscience knowledge is crucial for safe and effective patient care.
• There is a need for greater structure and consistency in bioscience education during clinical placements.
• Findings offer insights for educators planning and facilitating nursing placements.