Influence of Students Perception/Staff Attitude in the Clinical Areas on Student’s Learning in Mathare Teaching and Referral Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Evangeline Kananu Njue Mugoh,Mary Wanjira Njue Kamau

doi:10.11648/j.ajns.20200902.11

Abstract

Clinical learning environment is a very important aspect of nursing teaching. In Europe as well as USA, the principle of nursing education is based on a 50% theoretical class work and 50% practical through clinical experience. In Kenya, the learning is different where 69.5% is class work and 21.5% is the clinical area placement. Kenya government designed a one-year internship for all BScN students before they are entered into nursing council register to give the student enough experience before they enter into the field. Clinical learning is described as the “heart” of professional practice. Practice placement constitutes an important aspect of students` learning through influencing students’ acquisition of skills and knowledge for quality care provision in the right environments. The future of nursing profession is based on capacitating the student nurse with the ability to make critical decision at work. Noteworthy, many aspects affect student learning in clinical placement. Among them is shortage of qualified staff which is the case in the study area- Mathare Teaching and Referral Hospital. This study focused on factors that influence students learning in the clinical placement and aimed to determine the effect of student’s perspectives and staff attitude towards learning in placement areas on learning among bachelor of nursing (BScN) students. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data that was analyzed by using statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 20. Study findings were presented by use of tables, charts and text. The findings revealed that most students (64.8%) were pursuing nursing training out of individual choice and felt that nursing was a calling to them but some (25.9%) would go to another career given a chance. Most (61.1%) students were apprehensive about clinical placement and the work they would be involved in. Reception in the hospital department by supervision staff was generally fairly satisfactory however 5.6% students reported lack of satisfaction. Nursing staff in the clinical area were generally friendly and concerned; and staff supervision in the clinical area was generally helpful and caring but not always available. The clinical placement areas need to enhance nurse-under-placement and receptors relationship to enhance uptake of the real life experience of the nursing profession.

Highlights

IntroductionNursing is referred to as a practice-based profession in many parts of the world
Nursing is referred to as a practice-based profession in many parts of the world. This is the case in the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand and European countries, such as the United Kingdom (UK) and Finland where clinical teaching and learning form a significant part of preregistration nursing training and education programmes [1]
Most 33 (61.1%) students were apprehensive about clinical placement and the work they would be involved in, 11 (20.4%) didn’t know what they expected while 8 (14.8%) were anxious and 2 (3.7%) feared the staffs they would meet

Summary

Introduction

Nursing is referred to as a practice-based profession in many parts of the world This is the case in the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand and European countries, such as the United Kingdom (UK) and Finland where clinical teaching and learning form a significant part of preregistration nursing training and education programmes [1]. In these countries, clinical learning plays an important role in improving the practice of both healthcare professionals and student nurses, which in turn contributes to improve care provision. Clinical learning is described as the “heart” of professional practice [2].

Methods

Results

Conclusion