Nursing student insights: How clinical experiences shape perceptions and career decisions

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Practice
• Healthcare Professional Development

Background:

• Clinical experiences are fundamental to nursing education.
• Student-nurse interactions significantly impact learning and professional socialization.
• Previous research indicates a need to understand student perceptions of these interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nursing students' perceptions of their interactions with nurses during clinical experiences.
• To identify factors influencing the quality of these interactions.
• To provide evidence for improving the clinical learning environment.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to nursing schools across the United States.
• Data were collected on nursing students' perceptions of interactions with clinical nurses.
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis of survey responses was performed.

Main Results:

• Findings highlight the significant impact of nurse-student interactions on student learning and satisfaction.
• Positive interactions were associated with enhanced clinical skill development and confidence.
• Negative interactions were linked to decreased motivation and learning.

Conclusions:

• Fostering positive relationships between clinical nurses and nursing students is essential.
• Implications for nurses and nurse leaders include mentorship and supportive communication strategies.
• Future research should focus on developing and evaluating interventions to improve nurse-student relationships.