Where in the World? Creating a Map Application to Support Nursing Students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Educational Technology
• Spatial Analysis

Background:

• Professional experience placement is crucial for nursing students' progression and registration.
• Students often face intersectional challenges and attrition during placements.
• A regional university developed a digital map application to support students in these placements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if a custom digital map application reduces student stress.
• To assess if the application enhances connection to theoretical learning.
• To determine if it improves access to internet technology during placements.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to gather data.
• Homogeneous purposive sampling was employed.
• Quantitative analysis included Exact Wilcoxon-Pratt Signed Rank Test and Kruskal-Wallis Rank Sum Test.

Main Results:

• The digital map application showed a positive impact on student experiences.
• It contributed to reducing self-reported personal, financial, and family stress.
• It fostered a stronger connection with theoretical learning through technology.

Conclusions:

• The digital map application offers a practical solution to support nursing students.
• Universities can leverage such tools to enhance work-integrated learning experiences.
• This approach has potential applications in other disciplines utilizing work-integrated learning.