Safe clinical practice in pre-licensure nursing students: A concept analysis

The aim of this paper is to provide a concept analysis for safe clinical practice for pre-licensure nursing students. Safe clinical practice is crucial to creating a safe environment. Defining the concept of safe clinical practice is important. Walker and Avant's concept analysis approach was used. Cumulative index to Nursing and Allied Health, Business Source Elite, Education Resources Information Center, and PsycINFO were searched for literature on safe clinical practice. The key words "student," "safety," "performance," and "unsafe student" were used. From a review of the literature, defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of safe clinical practice were established and a definition of the concept emerged. The defining attributes identified are knowledge, skills, individual accountability, and professionalism. Students demonstrating appropriate knowledge levels and good technique with skills contribute to safe clinical practice. Taking accountability for one's actions and being professional also are important attributes to maintaining a safe clinical environment and ensuring safe clinical practice. Safe clinical practice in a patient-student situation occurs when pre-licensure nursing students who have been adequately prepared and practicing within a safe environment demonstrate knowledge of the clinical situation and its risks; communicate with faculty and staff members professionally; and develop appropriate relationships.