Students' Perception of Critical Care Training During Hospital Placements in a Regular Respiratory Care Bachelor's...

To assess students' perception for critical care training during respiratory care hospital placements.

Cross-sectional descriptive design survey, about demographics, perceptions for involvement in caring for critical patients, and the perceived improvement in knowledge, skills, and confidence during hospital placement.

Of the 80 students placed for hospital respiratory care training, 61 completed the study. Thirty-seven of the responders were males (60%). Forty-nine students (80%) agreed on the usefulness of the placements in preparing them for critical care situations. Students who completed practicum I agreed on the importance of simulation-based training before placements, and the involvement in caring for critically ill adults but not for pediatric or neonatal patients. Most of the students disagreed or strongly disagreed about involvement in caring for critically ill pediatric patients and neonates and denied any improvement in their confidence in caring for them.

The majority of students perceived critical care placements as being more positive than negative. Responses that were more positive were among students while placed in adult intensive care. Students perceived that they were not involved and had no improvement in confidence when caring for pediatric and neonatal patients. Students perceived simulation-based training as important in preparing them for placements.