Postgraduate Nursing Students Research Articles

Nursing postgraduates learning experience of professional curriculum in China: A qualitative study.

This study adopted the qualitative research method, aiming to explore the learning experience of nursing graduate professional curricula in China from the perspective of students and provided a basis for the continuous improvement of nursing graduate training. A qualitative study. A purposive sampling method was employed to conduct semi-structured in-depth interviews with 14 nursing master's students enrolled in professional curricula from September 03, 2021, to December 8, 2022. The Colaizzi seven-step analysis method was utilized for data analysis, summarization and extraction. Four themes emerged from the study findings: (i) The study of professional curricula is the cornerstone of scientific research work, but it is relatively boring; (ii) The teaching methods and assessment methods of postgraduate education need to be diversified; (iii) The postgraduate education needs to increase the study time of specialized courses and highlight the specialty characteristics; (iv) the study of professional curricula can enhance the comprehensive ability of postgraduate students. The study of professional curricula for post-graduate nursing students plays an important role in the development of post-graduate research and can statistically significant improve their comprehensive ability, but there are some problems such as boring courses, single teaching assessment methods and insufficient time. In the future teaching reform, it is necessary to highlight the specialty characteristics of nursing scientific research, optimize curriculum education and improve students' scientific research knowledge and thinking. We thank all participants for their valuable input throughout the study.

Being a Postgraduate Nursing Student in Limpopo Province, South Africa: An Exploratory Study.

Research proficiencies for nurses include the ability to search for and evaluate evidence, disseminate findings, and apply findings to practice within the context of caring. Aim: This study explored the experiences of distant postgraduate nursing students in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: The population consists of all students registered for postgraduation studies in a nursing programme at two South African universities in Limpopo Province. Purposive sampling was used to select 23 registered postgraduate nursing students. Data were collected through unstructured one-on-one interviews, including an audio recorder and field notes. The narrative data from interviews were analysed qualitatively through Tesch's open coding descriptive qualitative data analysis method. Results: Three main themes emerged: the reasons behind engaging in postgraduate studies, factors impacting postgraduate studies' success, and a description of challenges associated with conducting research. Conclusions: The students generally have varied experiences about whether or not completing a research project is a valuable learning experience. The relationship between a postgraduate student and their research supervisor is crucial to ensuring that the students advance consistently and complete their theses on time. The study will, therefore, assist HEIs offering postgraduate programmes in nursing in realising the challenges faced by students and coming up with strategies to combat the challenges.

Unfinished nursing care and its relationship to level of teamwork: the perspective of postgraduate nursing students

Unfinished nursing care and its relationship to level of teamwork: the perspective of postgraduate nursing students

What are the thoughts of postgraduate nursing students regarding the 'Applied Scientific Research' course? A qualitative study on achievements, benefits, challenges, and suggested solutions

ObjectiveThis research aimed to examine students' emotions, opinions, and suggestions regarding the "Applied Scientific Research" course. MethodThe study was conducted in a province in eastern Turkey between June and July 2023. Data were collected from 9 postgraduate students attending the "Scientific Research" course at a university's Institute of Health Sciences using a 'Descriptive Information Form' and a 'Semi-Structured Questionnaire'. Content analysis was employed for the qualitative data evaluation. ResultsThe participants' ages ranged from 25 to 32. Six participants were female, five were academicians, and five were doctoral students. Six participants had taken a statistics or research course before the scientific research course. Additionally, seven had attended scientific conferences, five followed a scientific publication regularly, five had conducted scientific research before, and five had not published scientific research before taking the course. Through the analysis of data obtained from participant interviews, three themes, namely "Effects of Activities in the Course," "Reasons for Recommendations and Preferences," and "Outcomes of the Course," were identified. Six sub-themes and 18 codes were generated, including "Most Challenging Activity," "Least Challenging Activity," "Recommendations for the Course," "Reasons for Choosing the Course," "Contributions of the Course," and "Feelings Towards the Course." ConclusionThe research results indicate that students improved their skills in conducting scientific research, writing articles, and getting published after taking the course. Furthermore, the course evoked positive feelings in students and increased their perceived competence.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Postgraduate Nursing Students: Comparison of Master’s and Doctorate Studies

This study was conducted to determine the effect of the pandemic on the education and scientific research activities of nursing graduate students. The descriptive and cross-sectional research was carried out in Türkiye between February and March 2021 with 383 postgraduate students, 218 of whom are master's and 165 are doctoral students. The data were collected using an online questionnaire. Descriptive statistical methods, independent groups t-test and chi-square test were used to evaluate the data. The majority of the master’s students were nurses (83.5%), and the majority of doctorate students were academicians (79.4%). During the pandemic, 75.7% of master’s students and 80.6% of doctorate students completed their education online. While 50.3% of doctoral students made scientific publications and 44.8% participated in scientific events, only 18.8% of master’s students had publications and 21.6% participated in congresses and symposiums. Master’s students had more difficulties in communicating with the instructors, maintaining course attendance, and focusing on educational activities compared to doctorate students. Similarly, master’s students had lower satisfaction with the efficiency of the courses, achievement of learning objectives, course achievements, scientific meetings, scientific publications, and academic consulting activities. The lowest satisfaction in both groups was academic consulting and advisory processes (Master’s: 8.7%, Doctorate: 9.1%). The pandemic has affected master’s and doctorate students’ training and research activities. During the pandemic, nursing students enrolled in the master's program experienced more difficulties and were less satisfied with educational activities than doctoral students.

Research utilization competence of postgraduate nursing students: A cross-sectional study

Previous studies of research utilization competence of master's level nursing students have mostly focused on evaluations after a single evidence-based practice course. In this study, research utilization is defined as the process of acquisition, critical reading, and implementation of research knowledge. The aim of the study was to analyze the research utilization competence of postgraduate nursing students at the beginning and end of master's degree studies in Finland. Data were collected online from two groups of students ( n = 33 and n = 60) with the structured Competence in Research Utilization-2 instrument and analyzed statistically. The study was reported using the STROBE guidelines. The students’ attitudes towards research utilization were positive. Students’ knowledge of research utilization was excellent and their skills were good at the end of their studies; they were higher than at the beginningof their studies. The study suggests that theoretically oriented nursing science education, including studies on conducting research, strengthens the research utilization competence needed for evidence-based practice.

Effects of mind mapping based on standardized patient program in patient education among postgraduate nursing students in clinical setting

BackgroundPatient education as an important process of postgraduate nursing education, however in previous studies there was limited study focus on the improvement of nursing students’ patient education in clinical practice.This study examined the effects of a mind mapping based on standardized patient program in the patient education knowledge and communication competence of postgraduate nursing students in clinical setting.MethodsThe present quasi-experimental study was performed in 2022 on 74 postgraduate nursing students who had taken clinical practice courses at affiliated hospital of Zunyi Medical University. Students were underwent two weeks of mind mapping based on standardized patient program. The outcome measures were patient education knowledge and communication competence evaluated were by the self-designed questionnaire consisting of 6 questions based on the Likert scale and nurse-patient communication competency rating scale respectively, self-efficacy was evaluated by the general self-efficacy scale, and patients’ satisfaction were measured using a self-designed question. Data collection was conducted before and after intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 19.0 software, and descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were performed.ResultsSignificant improvements in patient education knowledge, patient education communication competence, and self-efficacy (all P = 0.000)were observed after intervention. Improvements were also seen in measures of patients’ satisfaction; 12/74 (16.22%) patients reported satisfied at baseline but only 53/74 (71.62%) at the end of intervention.ConclusionsA web-based mind maps integrated with standardized patient program could improve patient education knowledge, communication competence,and self-efficacy of postgraduate nursing students in clinical setting.

A Service-Learning Project Based on a Community-Oriented Intelligent Health Promotion System for Postgraduate Nursing Students: Mixed Methods Study.

Service learning (SL) is a pedagogical approach that combines community service with cognitive learning for professionals. Its efficacy in promoting community health has gained broad recognition in nursing education. The application of postgraduate nursing SL programs in community-based intelligent health remains underexplored. Thus, additional investigation is necessary to assess the influence of the SL project based on a community-oriented intelligent health promotion system (SLP-COIHPS) on postgraduate nursing students and health service recipients. This study aims to assess how SLP-COIHPS influences the scientific awareness and research innovation abilities of postgraduate nursing students. In addition, the study sought to examine the experiences of both participating students and health service recipients. We conducted a mixed methods investigation by using web-based surveys and conducting interviews. The web-based surveys aimed to explore the differences in scientific awareness and research innovation capabilities between 2 distinct groups: an experimental group of 23 postgraduate nursing students actively participated in SLP-COIHPS, while 23 postgraduate students (matched one-to-one with the experimental group in terms of grade, sex, and research methods) served as control participants. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 65% (15/23) of postgraduate students and 3% (12/405) of community residents who received health services, aiming to assess the project's impact on them. The community-based intelligent health promotion system installed in intelligent health cabins can be conceptualized as an expert system providing valuable references for student health education. It has the capability to generate comprehensive assessments and personalized health guidance plans. Following training, students were involved in offering health assessments, health education, and related services. Subsequently, after the web-based surveys and semistructured interviews, quantitative data were analyzed using the SPSS (IBM Corp) software package, using 2-tailed t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests; qualitative data underwent analysis using the constructivist grounded theory approach. Postgraduate nursing students participating in this program scored 12.83 (Cohen d>0.8; P<.001) and 10.56 (Cohen d>0.8; P=.004) points higher than postgraduate students in the control group in research awareness and research innovation capability, respectively. On the basis of the qualitative results, postgraduate students reported improvement in this program. Analysis of the interviews revealed a total of 12 subcategories across three primary domains: (1) specialized skills, (2) scientific research ability, and (3) comprehensive qualities. Community residents reported high satisfaction and positive experiences. Analysis of the interviews with community residents identified two primary categories: (1) satisfaction and (2) perceived benefits. SLP-COIHPS had a positive impact on students' development of scientific awareness and research innovation ability. Qualitative study findings also support the further development of practical programs that integrate intelligent health and SL theories in the field of medical education. This includes exploring the potential factors influencing postgraduate nursing students' research capabilities or investigating the long-term effects of the project.

Developing the better and effective nursing education for improving transcultural nursing skills cultural competence and cultural sensitivity assessment tool (BENEFITS-CCCSAT)

BackgroundA clear need for the development of new comprehensive, reliable, sensitive and valid measurement tools to adequately asses the cultural competence and cultural sensitivity of nursing students exists. This study aimed to develop a new measurement tool to assess the nursing students’ cultural competence and sensitivity.MethodsThis cross-sectional, instrument development study’s first phase included postgraduate nursing students (n = 60) for the piloting study, and the second one included undergraduate nursing students (n = 459) for the main survey. This study used two data collection forms: The Student Descriptive Information Form and the Better and Effective Nursing Education for Improving Transcultural Nursing Skills Cultural Competence and Cultural Sensitivity Assessment Tool (BENEFITS-CCCSAT) draft. The content validity index was calculated using the Davis method. Cronbach’s α coefficient and the item total correlation were calculated during the reliability analysis. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) coefficient test, Bartlett significance test, and explanatory factor analysis (EFA) were used to evaluate the validity of the assessment tool.ResultsScale validity and reliability analyses showed that the BENEFITS-CCCSAT included 26 items and five sub-dimensions: respect for cultural diversity; culturally sensitive communication; achieving cultural competence; challenges and barriers in providing culturally competent care; and perceived meaning of cultural care.ConclusionThe BENEFITS-CCCSAT appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the cultural sensitivity and cultural competence of nursing students. This can be of great use, especially before attending clinical areas, and can offer both students and faculty reliable information to promote reflective and critical thinking, especially in areas where improvement is needed.

Mental health status and stressful life events among postgraduate nursing students in Cyprus: a cross-sectional descriptive correlational study

BackgroundDespite prior evidence supporting the association between stressful life events and mental health status, there are limited data on the number and severity of stressful life events and their effects on university students’ mental health status. Therefore, the present study aimed to: (a) examine mental health status and subsequent predictors of clinically significant mental distress symptoms, (b) estimate the number and severity of stressful life events, and (c) explore the associations between mental health status, stressful life events (number and severity) and sociodemographic characteristics.MethodsThis study was descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational with internal comparisons. A convenience sample of 90 Master of Science in nursing and midwifery students, participated in the study. Participants with a General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) total score ≥ 24 were considered to have clinically significant mental distress symptoms. Descriptive and inferential statistics were evaluated, and Pearson’s chi-square test for group differences was used to analyse the data. Analysis of variance and t-tests were used for comparisons between two or more groups, and regression analyses were employed to identify the predictors of GHQ-28 scores and clinical mental distress symptoms.ResultsThe final sample comprised 90 students (response rate: 97.8%), 33 (36.7%) of whom reported clinically significant symptoms of mental distress. Students with divorced parents [29.92 (± 10.62), p < .05] scored high on the GHQ-28. Participants who had low/no satisfaction with the education system posted higher scores than participants who had high/very high satisfaction [24.82 (± 11.68) vs. 17.93 (± 9.78), p < .05]. In the subscale measuring depressive symptoms, there was a statistically significant gender difference, with men reporting higher scores than females. [3.0± (3.69) vs. 1.60 (± 2.42), p = .034]. In multiple analyses of sociodemographic characteristics and those who scored higher on the Life Events Scale for Students (LESS) scale (≥ 340), the loss of parent/s was associated with the total GHQ-28 score (B=-17.046, p < .001). In multiple analyses, chronic physical disorders or disabilities and numerous stressful life events among students (≥ 8 events) were correlated with higher overall GHQ-28 scores (B = 15.232, p < .005).ConclusionThe high frequency of clinical symptoms of mental distress among postgraduate university nursing students and their correlation with stressful life events highlights the need for university counselling services to provide psychological support strategies to students.

The relationship between professional self-concept and career decision-making difficulties among postgraduate nursing students in China: the mediating role of career decision-making self-efficacy.

In the context of a global shortage, uneven distribution, and structural imbalance of nursing talent, postgraduate nursing students must make appropriate decisions about their careers not only for the nursing profession but also for society as a whole. However, little research has been reported on the current status and factors influencing career decision-making difficulties among postgraduate nursing students. Exploring the mediating role of career decision-making self-efficacy between professional self-concept and career decision-making difficulties among postgraduate nursing students in China based on the social cognitive career theory. 276 postgraduate nursing students from 25 universities in seven administrative regions of China were selected by stratified random sampling. Data were collected with the Career decision-making difficulties Questionnaire, Career Decision-making Self-Efficacy Scale, and Nursing Professional Self-concept Scale through an online survey, and were analyzed by univariate analysis, correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, and PROCESS macro. The score for career decision-making difficulties was 2.84 (SD = 0.54). Professional self-concept (r = -0.496, p < 0.01) and career decision-making self-efficacy (r = -0.551, p < 0.01) were negatively associated with career decision-making difficulties. Career decision-making self-efficacy played a partial mediating role between professional self-concept and career decision-making difficulties (p < 0.01), with the mediating effect (Effect Value = -0.253, Bootstrap 95% CI: -0.349, -0.156) accounting for 53.82% of the total effect. The high scores of career decision-making difficulties among postgraduate nursing students demand widespread attention. Nursing educators need to develop a complete and standardized career counseling curriculum for postgraduate nursing students, and should pay attention to the cultivation and development of positive professional self-concept and career decision-making self-efficacy of postgraduate nursing students to reduce their career decision-making difficulties and help them make effective career decision-making.

Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp Uygulamalarına İlişkin Lisansüstü Eğitime Devam Eden Hemşirelerin Bilgi ve Tutumlarının İncelenmesi

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Introduction and Aim: Today, there is an increasing trend towards the use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine practices worldwide. Nurses are increasingly likely to encounter individuals who use these practices. The aim of this study is to examine the knowledge and attitudes of postgraduate nursing students on traditional and complementary medicine practices.&#x0D; Material and Method: This descriptive study was conducted with 122 postgraduate nursing students in a university in Ankara. Data were collected electronically using the Socio-Demographic Information Form and Structured Questionnaire and the Attitude towards Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Scale.&#x0D; Results and Conclusion: In this study 98.4% of the postgraduate nursing students were women, the majority of them were masters students (61.5%), and their mean age was 30.11±6.3 years. It was determined that 95.1% of them believed that Traditional and Complementary Medicine practices were useful, and almost half (42.6%) used them either for themselves or for a relative. While 67.2% of the student thought that they were not competence to provide information about these practices, 91.8% of them wanted to take a course. It was also determined that the students had a positive attitude towards the practices of traditional and complementary medicine. In this study, it was determined that postgraduate nursing students had a positive attitude despite their lack of knowledge and practice about traditional and complementary practices. Although postgraduate nursing students are interested in Traditional and Complementary Medicine practices, it is recommended to plan courses for postgraduate education programs due to the lack of knowledge.&#x0D; Keywords: Postgraduate nursing education; therapy, complementary; knowledge; attitude

The opinions of postgraduate nursing students about evidence-based practice: A qualitative study

Objective: This study was conducted for the purpose of exploring the opinions and experiences of postgraduate nursing students regarding evidence-based practice and its use in the clinical setting in Turkey.&#x0D; Methods: A qualitative study design was employed. Data in this research study were collected through Semi-structured questions were asked face-to-face in focus group discussions.&#x0D; Results: The findings of the study set forth the individual and organizational barriers that faced postgraduate nursing students in their efforts&#x0D; to implement evidence-based practices. The main themes of the study were highlighted as: perceptions regarding evidence-based practice, the impact on the group cared for, challenges faced in the implementation, institutional support in applying practices. Subthemes were data verification, useful and reliable application, difficulties in communicating with colleagues, traditional views, troubles with team collaboration, the indifference of young colleagues, insufficient resources, and the need for a mentor in the workplace.&#x0D; Conclusion: The students in their undergraduate programs, and elective courses on EBP should be added to the curriculum. In order to eliminate organizational barriers, institutions should establish EBP committee and mentoring system.

COVID-19 and alternative assessments in higher education: implications for academic integrity among nursing and social science students

BackgroundCOVID-19 and its associated restrictions called for innovations in higher education teaching and learning space with many universities resorting to online teaching and alternative assessments. However, little has been done to understand the academic integrity implications in alternative online and non-invigilated assessments.AimThis study explored the perceptions of higher education students regarding academic integrity in alternative assessments.MethodsCross-sectional mixed method design following the parallel convergent approach was utilised in this study. A convenience sample of 380 undergraduate and postgraduate nursing and social science students completed an online survey on academic integrity behaviours associated with alternative assessments.ResultsHigh risk (31.7%) of academic misconduct was perceived among young people (18-24 years old). Collusion was common among nursing students (24.5%) and cheating likely to occur in assessments with longer duration—between 2 and 4 hours (18.8%) and between 1 and 2 weeks (46%). Qualitative data resulted in 274 findings and three themes— (i) impossible to cheat; (ii) easy to cheat and (iii) understanding the consequence of cheating. Suggestions for preserving academic integrity in alternative assessments were also made from the qualitative data.ConclusionLike other forms of traditional assessments, alternative assessments have increased risk of breach of academic integrity; however, with the right strategies, they could serve as effective means of assessing learning outcomes.

Preceptors' considerations when entrusting professional activities to postgraduate nursing students: A qualitative study

BackgroundNurse-preceptors regularly struggle to evaluate students' readiness to take care of patients unsupervised, even with sophisticated workplace-based assessment tools. Preceptors' gut feelings are not always captured well, but are critical for judgement of readiness for learner entrustment with care tasks. Studies in medical education report features that clinicians consider important when trusting students with clinical responsibilities that might also apply in nursing. ObjectivesTo unravel preceptors' considerations when entrusting professional activities to postgraduate nursing students. The findings may contribute to the improvement of workplace-based assessments and the training of preceptors. MethodsThematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with sixteen nurse-preceptors from three postgraduate nursing specialisations in Dutch hospitals. ResultsThree themes emerged:1)Preceptor's' expectations of students: being competent, being aware of risks and how to tackle these, being truthful, having a proactive attitude, seizing opportunities to learn and develop, and being socially and communicatively sensitive.2)Preceptor's own role in entrustment decisions: awareness of a subjective influence in assessment, shared responsibility for patient care, and imagining students as future colleagues.3)Preceptors' use of information sources to arrive at entrustment decisions: briefing and debriefing with students, direct observation, reports, and judgements of colleagues. ConclusionsFor preceptors of postgraduate nursing students, entrustment requires more than merely insight into objectively measurable competencies. Entrusting is accompanied by subjectivity related to what preceptors expected of students. These expectations are in line with suggested factors in the literature—capability, integrity, reliability, agency, and humility—considered before entrusting students with clinical responsibilities identified in medical training. Entrusting is also accompanied by what preceptors realise about their own role in entrustment decisions. Combining different information sources made assessment more transparent and the implicit more explicit.

Experiences of Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure for Postgraduate Neonatal Nursing Students at the University of Zambia, School of Nursing Sciences: Lessons and Implications for the Future.

Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure immediately places postgraduate students in a clinical setting and incorporates continual hands-on instruction throughout their studies. It aims to motivate students by strengthening their academics, improving clinical and communication skills, and increasing their confidence. The underlying principles are to provide a clinical context and to ensure that the patient remains the centre of learning. The School of Nursing Sciences implemented this model in 2021 to produce hands-on Masters-level neonatal practitioners who can work in multidisciplinary clinical contexts. Therefore, this study explored the experiences of postgraduate nursing students on the Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure model and draw implications for the future. A phenomenological study design was utilized at the University of Zambia, School of Nursing Sciences and comprised of eight Master of Science Neonatal Nursing students in their second year. Convenience sampling was used to select the study site and participants. Data was collected between 15th January 2023 and 31st January 2023 using an in-depth interview guide. Audio recording and notes were transcribed immediately after data collection. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis and codes and themes were constructed from the coded data. Ethical clearance and permission were sought before conducting the study. Four major themes emerged from the study: identity and role confusion, challenging and hectic experiences, positive educational experiences, and personal and professional growth. These themes contributed to the promotion of evidence-based practice by helping students to assess, diagnose, and treat various conditions, as well as gain interest, experience, knowledge, and exposure. The model has a significant impact on motivation to learn, as evidenced by reported increased skill level with potential for use in clinical practice. It is recommended that it be implemented in all postgraduate programs for full-time students.

Attitudes and Knowledge about Evidence-Based Practice among Saudi Postgraduate Nursing Students

Background and Aims: Evidence-based practice (EBP) has helped nurses in taking medical decisions and staying up-to-date with the latest knowledge in nursing care. Nurses need to have a positive attitude, enough knowledge, and an awareness of relevant research to apply EBP and promote high-quality nursing care effectively. This study was carried out to assess Saudi postgraduate nursing students’ attitudes, knowledge, and practice about evidence-based practice. Methods: A descriptive survey with cross-sectional data collection was conducted online by applying the evidence-based practice questionnaire (EBPQ) to 311 Saudi postgraduate nurses. Results: The overall mean EBPQ score was 5.44±.74. Attitude had the highest mean score (5.81±1.08), followed by knowledge (5.52±.85) and practice (5.00±.94). Low-to-moderate significant correlations were found among the three EBPQ components (practice-attitude: r=.257; practice-knowledge: r=.296; attitude-knowledge: r=.569; P&lt;.001). Age, marital status, and smoking status had a significant impacted on the participants’ responses (P&lt;.05). Nurses aged 41–50 had the highest attitude score among all age groups. Married nurses had higher knowledge scores than the other groups, while smokers had higher practice scores than non-smokers. Conclusions: Here, the average total score was higher than those reported in previous studies, indicating the willingness of Saudi nurses to contribute to evidence-based practice by improving their knowledge and attitudes.

Facilitators and barriers of African postgraduate nursing students' adaptation to internship: A qualitative study

BackgroundClinical internship is a focused and supervised practice where nursing students have opportunities to master clinical skills and better adapt to the real working environment, promoting the formation of professional practice quality. However, for African postgraduate nursing students who had an internship in China, the factors affecting their adaptation to the internship have not yet been sufficiently explored. ObjectiveTo explore the facilitators and barriers of African postgraduate nursing students' adaptation to an internship. DesignQualitative descriptive study. SettingsA comprehensive university with three affiliated hospitals in southern China. ParticipantsTwelve African postgraduate nursing students who finished a three-month internship in the two-year postgraduate programme. MethodsParticipants were recruited using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between April and December 2021. Data were thematically analysed using the Colaizzi seven-step method. ResultsThree facilitators and four barriers to their adaptation to the internship emerged in the study. Facilitators included the teacher–student interactions, harmonious working atmosphere and positive inner incentives of the students. Barriers to adaptation were language barriers, unsuitable internship arrangements, lack of opportunities to practice clinical skills and disparities in hospital routine works. ConclusionsThe present findings could contribute to the improvement of a more effective clinical training programme. Nursing colleges and teaching hospitals should make more efforts to enhance the current clinical internship programmes. Further support is necessary for international nursing students according to their culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Postgraduate nursing students' experiences of practicing ethical communication.

Ethics communication has been described as a pedagogical form, promoting development of ethical competence among nursing students. The 'one to five method' was developed by this research group as a tool for facilitating ethical communication in groups among healthcare professionals but has not yet been evaluated. To explore post-graduate nursing students' experiences of practicing ethical communication in groups. The study design is qualitative. The study comprised 12 nursing students on a post-graduate course for Registered Nurses focusing on palliative care. After education the students engaged as participants and facilitators in ethics communication in groups, with support from the 'one to five method'. Data were derived from the students written reflections and subjected to thematic analysis. The study was performed in accordance with the ethical standards in the 2013 Helsinki Declaration and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty at Umeå University. An overall theme was identified, 'being supported to achieve a democratic dialogue concerning ethical problems' and five themes, related to each step of the 'one to five method'. The themes concerned: putting the experience of an ethical dilemma into words; being confirmed by shared emotions; defining the value conflict using ethical principles; expressing virtues of empathy and raised awareness; jointly finding various action approaches. Regular ethics communication in groups encourages nursing students to actively seek understanding and clarification of ethically difficult situations. The results indicate that ethics communication in groups could be a way of developing virtues during education. Interventions using the 'one to five method' need to be further studied among student groups from other healthcare contexts.

Nursing students' perceptions and experiences of learning and using nursing theories: A qualitative study.

No study has addressed the experiences of Iranian nursing students learning and using nursing theories. We investigated the experiences of Iranian postgraduate nursing students learning and using nursing theories. A qualitative study was conducted on 25 Master's degree nursing students who had completed the course of nursing theories in three selected nursing schools in Iran. Semistructured interviews were conducted. Data analysis was performed using a content analysis approach. Most of the students had positive experiences of learning and using nursing theories. Three main categories emerged from the data namely "a refreshing opening," "needing support," and "clinical usefulness." Nursing theories refreshed the students' view of the nursing profession, strengthened their professional values, helped them recognize professional boundaries, and practice a comprehensive care. The nursing education system should prepare expert teachers for teaching nursing theories. Nursing managers should support nurses to implement these theories.