Readiness to Practice in Generation Z Nursing Students.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Professions

Background:

• Generation Z nursing students, born after 1995, are characterized as digital natives.
• Concerns exist regarding their attention spans and potential for boredom in traditional learning environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare practice readiness, anxiety, and self-confidence in Generation Z nursing students.
• To evaluate the impact of 4-week versus 14-week immersive clinical experiences on these outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study surveyed 46 graduating baccalaureate nursing students from Generation Z.
• Convenience sampling was utilized to recruit participants.

Main Results:

• Independent samples t tests revealed no statistically significant differences between the two groups.
• Outcomes regarding readiness for practice, anxiety, and self-confidence were comparable.

Conclusions:

• Extended immersive clinical durations do not appear to influence practice readiness or decision-making confidence in Generation Z nursing students.
• These findings suggest current clinical structures are adequate for preparing this demographic.