Investigation into experiences of older students undertaking a Pre-registration Diploma in Nursing

This paper sets out to investigate the experiences of older students undertaking a Pre-registration Diploma in Nursing in a large college of nursing in Belfast. Questionnaires were sent to all students aged 21 years or over on starting the course since its inception in February 1991. These amounted to 92 students. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected regarding the problems, needs and issues surrounding older students. The findings indicate that the college is not adequately meeting the needs of many older students and this is also the case when students are in the clinical area. Most of the respondents already had a high level of education and work experience. However, most were disappointed by the fact that this experience and their maturity was not always recognized, particularly in the clinical setting. This study provides clear evidence to suggest that older students perceive themselves to be more motivated than younger students and better able to study independently. However, even though older students may have some advantages over younger students they do have specific problems and needs which should be addressed. These are related to various issues amongst which may be finance, family commitments, academic study, difficulties in their adaptability and the speed at which they are able to learn new skills.