Reports by baccalaureate nursing students of social support

This descriptive study examined the types of social support that baccalaureate nursing students perceived as obtained and the types of social support desired from faculty while in their clinical experience. A sample of 242 students completed the Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviors (ISSB) and 12 were interviewed. There was a significant difference in the total amount of social support perceived as obtained and social support desired, with students desiring more support than was obtained. It was concluded that four types of social support--directive guidance, nondirective support, tangible assistance, and positive social interaction--can be used by faculty to examine students' support.