Perceived professional benefits among nursing interns in the later stage of clinical practicum: a descriptive...

The later stage of clinical practicum is a critical period during which nursing interns transition from the role of students to that of registered nurses. Their perceived professional benefits are closely associated with their willingness to enter the nursing profession.

This study explores perceived professional benefits among nursing interns during the later stage of their clinical practicum, aiming to provide guidance for optimizing teaching strategies at this stage.

A descriptive qualitative study design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 nursing interns in the later stage of their clinical practicum at a tertiary Grade A comprehensive teaching hospital in Hainan Province. The participants comprised 7 students from a four-year baccalaureate program (including one with a bachelor's degree upgraded from junior college) and 5 students from a three-year junior college program. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis, and NVivo 12.0 software was employed to assist with data management.

This study identified 4 themes: obtaining diverse support, strengthening clinical practice competence, perceiving professional rewards, and deepening conviction. Nursing interns conducted clinical practicum in a harmonious departmental atmosphere and received guidance and care from preceptors, as well as support from family and friends. As clinical practicum progressed to the later stage, nursing interns improved their clinical operation skills, practical confidence, and comprehensive professional literacy. They also perceived professional advantages, gained recognition from others, and experienced the value of using professional knowledge to help family and friends. These positive experiences continuously strengthen the nursing interns' professional conviction while simultaneously enhancing their perceived professional benefits.

The later stage of clinical practicum is a critical period for the formation of nursing interns' perceived professional benefits. Hospitals should create a supportive practicum atmosphere and strengthen positive incentives to enhance nursing interns' perceived professional benefits, which can help facilitate their smooth transition to registered nurses.