Concerns of nursing students beginning clinical courses: A descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Student anxieties impact clinical learning.
• Limited research on pre-clinical fears in nursing students.
• This study addresses initial and ongoing student concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• Examine undergraduate nursing students' fears before clinical courses.
• Identify continued concerns after the first year.
• Assess confidence in physical assessment skills.

Main Methods:

• Survey administered to 96 junior nursing students.
• Follow-up survey completed by 72 students.
• Assessed fears, concerns, and physical assessment confidence.

Main Results:

• Top initial fears: making mistakes, course failure, not knowing procedures.
• Persistent concern: not knowing how to do something.
• Increased confidence in physical assessment (60.46 to 71.28).

Conclusions:

• Incorporate learning activities to reduce anxiety and build confidence.
• Utilize simulations and orientations for skill practice.
• Educate staff nurses on student fears to foster supportive environments.