Attracting students to aged care: The impact of a supportive orientation

Abstract

The 'Building connections in aged care' project sought to investigate quality clinical placements for undergraduate nursing students in residential aged care facilities in Tasmania, Australia. Aged care reportedly holds little attraction to student nurses as an employment option, exacerbating problems with recruiting staff into the sector. This, coupled with knowing the quality of an undergraduate learning experience can influence career choices, provided the impetus for the study. Informed by action research and conducted in three-stages, the project scoped the problem, implemented improvement strategies and assessed sustainability of their effectiveness. Data were collected via structured research meetings and surveys/check lists, and subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. A key finding was the importance of providing students with a comprehensive orientation to the aged care environment. The critical nature of orientation processes in the establishment of a supportive and welcoming environment for students, and to 'setting up' a positive and enjoyable learning experience in aged care settings has not been shown by research to date. Student orientation warrants greater attention. We recommend strategies concerning the structure of student orientation programs, links with university schools of nursing, use of preceptors, and preparing aged care facility staff.