Student nurses' experiences with a digital educational resource supporting learning in nursing home placements: A...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Digital Health
• Clinical Placements

Background:

• Clinical placements in nursing homes are crucial for student nurses' learning experiences.
• Digital educational resources are increasingly adopted in nursing education.
• Understanding student nurses' perspectives on digital resources in placements is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore first-year student nurses' experiences with a digital educational resource during nursing home placements.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative explorative design using pre- and post-placement group interviews.
• Reflexive thematic analysis of data.
• Study conducted in three Norwegian nursing homes with 23 first-year student nurses.

Main Results:

• A digital resource provided structure, reduced overwhelm, and supported professional reflection and assessment.
• Active use by students, educators, and preceptors facilitated collaboration.
• The resource fostered a sense of being acknowledged as a learner.

Conclusions:

• Digital educational resources can effectively support student nurses' learning in nursing home placements.
• These resources enhance preparedness, structure, flexibility, reflection, and assessment.
• Tripartite engagement is essential for optimal utilization of digital tools in clinical education.