Nursing practicum equity for a changing nurse student demographic: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Nursing practicum (clinical practice) is crucial but stressful.
• Literature often overlooks external stressors on nursing students.
• This study examines Australian undergraduate women nursing students with family responsibilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the influence of external factors on nursing students' practicum experiences.
• Understand the challenges faced by women nursing students with family commitments.
• Identify areas for improving practicum accessibility and support.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study using Gadamer's hermeneutic philosophy.
• Interviews conducted with 29 women nursing students with partners and children.
• Thematic analysis of over 50 hours of interview data.

Main Results:

• 'Family pressure' and 'practicum poverty' themes emerged.
• External factors significantly affect student stress, wellbeing, and academic achievement.
• Findings suggest intensified difficulties for these students post-COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• Developed nations increasingly rely on mature-age women nursing students.
• Nursing practicum organization needs revision for accessibility.
• Recommendations include flexible practicum approaches and improved financial support.