Nursing students' perceptions of working with staff nurses

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to examine the perceptions of nursing students working with staff nurses during their clinical experiences. Based on this information, a resource for staff nurses was developed to assist them in mentoring students. A limited review of the literature identified helpful and hindering practices in the education of nursing students. Nursing schools and faculty are charged with theoretical and clinical education of nursing students so they may enter into the nursing profession as competent and safe nurses. Staff nurses play integral roles in the formative development of students. Data from a previous study were examined. The variables of friendliness, approachability, availability and willingness of staff nurses were evaluated. Students consistently ranked the ability of nurses to teach lowest and friendliness of nurses highest. Student comments were organized qualitatively utilizing retrospective analysis. Two themes were identified from the qualitative data which added to the veracity of the research. Positive reported nurse behaviors towards students were then utilized as a basis for a mentoring guide. Limitations for this project, as well as implications and topics of future research were identified and discussed. A resource guide was developed for distribution to staff nurses to assist them when mentoring nursing students.