Voices from undergraduate students and faculty members regarding the status and challenges of baccalaureate nursing education in Myanmar: A qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo clarify the present status and challenges of nursing education in a baccalaureate degree program in Myanmar. DesignA qualitative descriptive design using focus group interviews. ParticipantsUndergraduate nursing students and faculty members from the University of Nursing in Myanmar. MethodsFocus group interviews were separately conducted for each group of undergraduate students, and junior and senior faculty members. The interview guide for the students was about their perceptions and requests regarding their nursing education. For the faculty members, the interview guide was about their current perceptions and challenges regarding nursing education. Each group interview took about 60 min. ResultsEight undergraduate students, eight junior faculty members, and six senior faculty members were eligible to participate. The undergraduate students voiced their requests for improvement in teaching methods. They described their struggles and learning process from their clinical placement experiences, as well as their distress under the present educational environment. The faculty members described their perceptions and challenges regarding inventiveness in teaching methods, challenges in conducting clinical placements, lack of educational devices and facilities, and innovation requirements in the faculty organization and system. ConclusionThe present status of nursing education in a baccalaureate degree program in Myanmar reflects ongoing serious challenges in undergraduate nursing education as expressed by both undergraduate students and faculty members. Their voices echo a pressing need to implement alternative methods of nursing education for better academic outcome. Moreover, continuing education is realized as crucial for capacity building and professional development of faculty members.