Nursing students’ perceptions of older adults, confidence, and anxiety level changes with their first clinical rotation: A descriptive pilot study

Abstract

Nursing students often hesitate to work with older adults due to a lack of knowledge and preconceived notions. Students also experience increased anxiety and lack confidence in assessment and communication skills. This study is a descriptive pilot study to examine nursing students' perceptions towards older adult care, anxiety levels, and confidence in nursing care skills before and after their initial clinical rotation in a long-term care facility to develop future supportive educational programs and studies. 70 first-semester baccalaureate nursing students from a single nursing college answered five Likert scale questions through an online survey link. Results showed a significant increase in students' confidence in assessment and communication skills, and a decrease in anxiety after the clinical. However, students' willingness to work with older adults did not significantly change and was even lower than before the clinical. The positive sentiment of caring for older adults increased by 5.6%, negative sentiment decreased by 0.9%, and neutral sentiment decreased by 4.7%. Clinical education should prioritize strategies to reduce pre-clinical anxiety, emphasize the significance of working with older adults, and address barriers to enhance students' perceptions and attitudes toward this population.