Perceptions of nursing students regarding factors influencing their learning in a clinical skills laboratory at a school of nursing in the western cape province
Loading...
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
Background: In order for a student to be clinically competent in a skill, various resources and
preparation are needed. Opportunities should be available for student nurses to intentionally
experience meaningful encounters that will broaden their knowledge and skills.
Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of nursing
students’ regarding factors influencing their learning in a clinical skills laboratory at a School
of Nursing in the Western Cape Province.
Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative research approach, utilising an exploratory and
descriptive research design. The population of interest for this research study was nursing
students registered for a four-year Baccalaureate Degree at a School of Nursing in the Western
Cape Province. The population included all registered nursing students from the first to the
fourth year of study. Participants were identified through purposive sampling based on specific
inclusion and exclusion criteria. The researcher collected the data through ten focus group
interviews across all four-year levels and analysed the data using the six steps of Braun and
Clarke (2006).
Ethics: Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from the Humanities and Social
Sciences Research Ethics Committee before the commencement of data collection. Participants
were informed that participation in the study was voluntary and they could withdraw from the
study at any stage with no consequences to their studies.
Findings and recommendations: The findings were linked to the framework for clinical skills
learning environment of Haraldseid, Friberg and Aase (2015). The framework identified the
physical, organisational, and psychosocial environmental factors that influence the learning
process of nursing students in a clinical skills laboratory. The findings of this study indicate
the need to implement interventions to improve certain aspects in the clinical skills laboratory
to promote quality clinical learning for nursing students.