Midwifery students’ demographic characteristics and the effect of clinical education on preparation for professional life in Turkey

Abstract

This descriptive study was planned for the purpose of evaluating the effect of clinical education at Istanbul University Bakırköy School of Health, Midwifery Division, on the preparation of senior midwifery students for their professional lives. The sample comprised a total of 230 students in the final year of midwifery school who agreed to participate in the research during the academic years 2003–2004, 2004–2005, 2005–2006, and 2006–2007. Data was collected with a 27-item questionnaire prepared by the researcher. Percentages, Fischer and Chi-square tests were used in the data analysis. According to the research findings, the majority of the students had graduated from high school (78.7%) and lived together with their families (52.2%). The majority of the students thought that the choices for clinical areas were appropriate (51/3%), wanted the internship in their last year to continue (92.2%) and thought that having clinical education on night shifts was beneficial (77.4%). There were statistically significant differences in students’ opinions about internship according to the Fisher and Chi-square tests. In addition, the students had positive opinions about the integrated clinical practice that was a significant part of their clinical education. Statistically significant differences were determined in their positive opinions according to the Chi square test ( X 2 = 70; p < 0.001, DF = 6). The students stated that after graduation, they felt they were most prepared to be a ward midwife (80.9%), a ward head midwife (64.3%), and teacher (56.5%). Statistically significant differences were seen in the statements of the students about what they felt prepared to do after graduation according to the Chi square test ( X 2 =227; p < 0.001, DF = 5). It was determined that the students included in the sample had positive opinions and experiences associated with clinical education and that they stated that they were prepared for the profession of midwifery.