Changes in Student Nurses' Perception between Initial and Final Clinical Practice

Kim, Myung Ae; Nam, Seung Hee; Kim, Hyo Eun

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore perception of clinical experience between the initial and final practice and to explore changes in the perception of clinical experience. METHODS: The study used a Q-method to measure perception of clinical practice. Thirty-six statements made up the finalized Q-sample. The P sample used thirty three nursing college students from K university. The initial collection was done in the first semester of their junior year and second collection was done in the last semester of their senior year. The Q-sorts by each student were coded and analysed with the Quanl PC program. RESULTS: Many students classified as having the perception type 'alienation of ideal and reality' or 'perception of limitation of ability' in the initial clinical practice changed to the type, 'active participation' by the final clinical practice. Further, in the initial clinical practice, part of 'active participation' and 'perception of limitation of ability' changed to 'alienation of ideal and reality'. CONCLUSION: This study shows that perception of their clinical practice by student nurses changed in a positive direction through clinical experience and that this fact was related to the level of satisfaction with nursing. The knowledge and understanding obtained in this research provide insights for nursing faculty and students involved in nursing education.