Views of Nursing Students on Basic Medical Sciences Courses

Abstract

Background: Basic Medical Sciences courses are theoretical and applied courses given in health sciences usually in the first or second year. This study determined the views of nursing students on basic medical sciences courses. Methods: 332 students in their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years between 6 and 26 February 2017 participated in this cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study. Data was collected using a form prepared by the researchers according to literature, questioning their socio-demographic characteristics and views on basic medical sciences courses. In statistical evaluation percentages, mean values, standard deviation, and one-way ANOVA test were used. In statistical evaluation, the level of statistical significance was accepted to be P < 0.05. Results: The students stated that the courses on pharmacology and anatomy contributed to nursing education most. The students felt most sufficient in the anatomy and physiology courses. 53.6% of the students stated that basic medical sciences courses should be given by academicians in the field of nursing, 59.6% stated that these courses should be given with the help of mannequins or models. 51.5% of the students suggested that these courses should be evaluated through tests while 26.8% suggested that evaluation should be done through laboratory application. Conclusion: The students’ views on the necessity of basic medical sciences courses were insufficient and that the students didn’t see themselves as proficient in those courses. It is suggested that the importance of basic medical sciences courses should be stressed starting from the first year, that these courses should be applied courses, and students should be asked for feedback on the effectiveness of these courses.