Student Perceptions of Community Clinical Experiences in Maternal-Child Nursing

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Community Health Nursing
• Undergraduate Nursing

Background:

• Acute care inpatient sites for maternal and pediatric nursing are challenging to secure.
• Alternative clinical learning sites are needed to expand opportunities for undergraduate nursing students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of community-based clinical experiences on undergraduate nursing students in an accelerated BSN program.
• To evaluate student learning, skills, and attitudes in non-traditional nursing settings.

Main Methods:

• Students in a maternal-child course completed part of their clinical hours in community settings.
• Guided reflection journals were used to document student learning experiences.

Main Results:

• Analysis of student reflections revealed positive learning experiences.
• Community settings positively impacted student knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
• Students developed a better understanding of populations and nursing outside acute care.

Conclusions:

• Community-based clinical experiences are a viable alternative to traditional inpatient settings.
• Diversifying clinical learning sites enhances undergraduate nursing education.
• Nontraditional settings foster positive student development in nursing knowledge and attitudes.