The Turkish version of the Casey-Fink Readiness for Practice Scale: A validity and reliability study

AimThe aim was to translate and adapt the Casey-Fink Readiness for Practice Scale (CFRPS) into Turkish and assess its validity and reliability for senior nursing students.BackgroundNursing students’ readiness for practice is important for quality nursing care and to support new graduate nurses and orient them quickly for their professional life. Nurse educators and nurse managers are responsible for develop nursing students’ and new graduate nurses’ readiness for practice. Currently, there is no valid and reliable tool to assess this metric for senior nursing students in Turkey.DesignThe study was conducted using a methodological approach.MethodsThe sample of the study consisted of 179 students who were enrolled in the last year of nursing school across three state universities in one region of Turkey. A socio-demographic form and the Turkish version of the CFRPS were used for data collection. Data were collected online between 12 April – 17 May 2021. Content validity was assessed using expert approval. Confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used to assess validity. Cronbach's alpha and test–retest were performed to assess reliability.ResultsNursing students’ mean age was found to be 22.3 ± 1.12. The content validity index of the scale was calculated as 0.94. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis identified 15 items, which could be categorized under one factor, that were obtained differently from the original scale. The factor loads were found to be between 0.39 and 0.70. The Cronbach's alpha of the scale was 0.881. One factor model achieved a good fit.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that the Turkish version of the CFRPS is a valid and reliable assessment tool to evaluate senior nursing students’ readiness for practice. Information in the Turkish version of the CFRPS was obtained differently from the original scale. Nurse educators can use this tool to assess their students’ progress in readiness for practice before they graduate.     

Readiness for practice: the senior practicum experience

Nursing students must be prepared to enter the practice environment ready to competently care for patients. The purpose of this study was to examine factors hypothesized to influence senior nursing students' perceptions of readiness for practice and to determine their level of comfort performing skills independently. This study also validates an investigator-developed instrument, the Casey-Fink Readiness for Practice Survey. Factor loading indicated four components tested by subscales in the survey: clinical problem solving, learning techniques, professional identity, and trials and tribulations. The greatest challenges reported by students were managing multiple patient care assignments, communicating with physicians, and caring for dying patients. Clinical competency, role development, and career planning support were areas in which students desired more assistance during their senior practicum course. Most survey respondents voiced confidence in their ability to problem solve and felt ready to assume the professional nursing role.     

Nursing educators’ and undergraduate nursing students’ beliefs and perceptions on evidence-based practice,evidence implementation,organizational readiness and culture: An exploratory cross-sectional study

AimsTo describe the undergraduate nursing students’ and nursing educators' evidence-based practice beliefs, their extent of evidence-based practice implementation and their perspectives regarding organizational culture for evidence-based practice. To identify any relationship between the mentioned variables.BackgroundThe integration of evidence-based practice in nursing curricula is crucial to educate nursing students to incorporate evidence-based practice in their future clinical practice. Therefore, to promote its integration within nursing education, it is important to deeply understand how prepared academic institutions are for teaching about and supporting evidence-based practice integration.DesignCross-sectional study.MethodsNursing educators and undergraduate nursing students from nine Portuguese nursing schools were invited to participate in this study through an electronic survey comprising socio-demographic questions and the scales.ResultsSixty-eight nursing educators replied to the survey. Most were female, have PhD and have evidence-based practice training. They showed mean scores of 88.92 ± 8.18 for evidence-based practice beliefs, 40.20 ± 18.93 for evidence-based practice implementation and 80.59 ± 17.52 for evidence-based practice organizational culture and readiness. Concerning nursing educator sample, there were moderate and statistically significant relationship between: evidence-based practice beliefs and implementation; and evidence-based practice beliefs and organizational culture and readiness for school-wide integration of evidence-based practice. Between evidence-based practice implementation and organizational culture and readiness for school-wide integration of evidence-based practice, there was a small relationship.One hundred and sixty-seven undergraduate nursing students answered the survey. Mostly, they were female and were in third or fourth year of their nursing degree. Similarly, to educators, students showed mean scores of 58.69 ± 6.92 for evidence-based practice beliefs, 32.37 ± 16.97 for evidence-based practice implementation and 84.20 ± 23.48 for evidence-based practice organizational culture and readiness. Regarding undergraduate nursing student sample, there were moderate and statistically significant relationship between the different variables.ConclusionsBoth nursing educators and undergraduate nursing students had strong evidence-based practice beliefs, but low levels of evidence-based practice implementation. In nursing educators’ and undergraduate nursing students’ perspectives, there were opportunities in their schools for the development of an evidence-based practice culture. Based on results, support for development and testing of interventions, specifically tailored for promoting evidence-based practice implementation in nursing educational contexts, is recommended.     

Extended immersive simulation to develop nontechnical skills: Content analysis of students' views

BackgroundThe purpose of undergraduate nursing education is the preparation of graduates for clinical practice. Despite this focus, graduates are often unprepared for independent practice, particularly in the use of skills such as time management, delegation and critical thinking in clinical situations. This paper reports on students’ views of using extended, immersive simulation to consolidate the use of both technical and nontechnical skills in preparing them for independent nursing practice.AimTo investigate students’ views on the value of extended, immersive simulation in preparing them for independent practice as registered nurses.MethodsCross-sectional research involving content analysis of open-ended survey questions. The study involved comments from 287 final year nursing students conducted at a university in Western Australia.FindingsThemes related to critical thinking, the role of the registered nurse, communication, time management, teamwork and leadership were identified through the content analysis. Students believed exposure to extended simulation facilitated development of the essential skills required to practise independently and helped them prepare for the role of a registered nurse. Many expressed the wish for this type of simulation to be included throughout all years of the nursing curriculum.DiscussionStudents need experience in clinical situations where they are challenged to use multiple skills simultaneously to develop the expertise required of registered nurses. The ability to practise independently, and take responsibility for decisions made in complex ward conditions, is not currently required of students on clinical placements. Simulation is a way to fill this void in nursing education to enable students to experience the full role of a registered nurse.ConclusionBased on our findings nursing students believed that extended, immersive simulation was an effective method of supporting students as they undertake the full responsibilities of registered nurses to enable them to be safe and effective practitioners on commencement of the registered nurse role.     

Honors students in the health professions: An academic-practice partnership for developing interprofessional competencies through simulation

Abundant literature supports the value of interprofessional education (IPE) in health profession programs, but few studies focus on undergraduate honors students. The goals of this academic-practice partnership quality improvement project were to increase awareness of IPE, provide experiential opportunities to learn the principles of interprofessional practice, assess perceptions of readiness for practice, and to explore motivations and learning expectations of undergraduate nursing and pre-medical honors students. Average scores on the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) increased in several areas after the IPE simulation experiences, with small to medium effect sizes (Cohen's d) on individual items and two subscales (Teamwork & Collaboration and Positive Professional Identity). Themes identified in the narrative data were opportunity, fun, self-awareness, situational awareness, and the value of teamwork. These findings add to literature on honor students' expectations and motivations for learning and can be used in designing interprofessional collaborative learning activities for undergraduate health profession students.     

Nursing students learning transfer from classroom to clinical practice: An integrative review

AimThe aim of this integrative review was to examine the theoretical, qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods literature focused on how nursing students transfer learning from theory courses into clinical practice.BackgroundAs nursing curriculum aligns with the growing body of nursing knowledge, nursing students continue to develop their knowledge base and skill sets to prepare for future nursing practice. The bulk of this preparation involves developing connections between classroom/lab knowledge and further demonstrating those connections in clinical practice. However, the extant state of evidence on undergraduate nursing students’ learning transfer has not yet been synthesized.DesignThis integrative review was conducted using the Whittemore and Knafl framework.Review methodsEight databases were searched in June 2022: MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, ERIC, Academic Search Complete and Education Research Complete. Literature was included if it focused on undergraduate nursing students who have participated in at least one clinical practicum and reported on learning transfer in clinical settings. Only English-language, peer-reviewed literature was included. Two researchers independently assessed the eligibility of articles at the title-and-abstract level and at the full-text level, followed by an assessment of methodological quality. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal checklists were used to assess theoretical papers and literature reviews and the mixed-methods appraisal tool (MMAT) was used to appraise all studies. Reference lists of included articles were searched for additional relevant literature. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement guidelines.ResultsTwenty-eight articles met our inclusion criteria and were included in this review, including 20 qualitative studies, one quantitative study, three mixed-methods studies, three theoretical articles and one integrative review. The results of this review highlighted that numerous facilitators and barriers influence nursing students’ ability to transfer learning within clinical learning environments. Facilitators included having knowledgeable and supportive educators and nursing staff, using strategies to promote connections, fostering reflection and aligning theory and practice. Barriers included unclear connections between course content, incongruencies between classroom and practice, lack of nurse role models, lack of real-world applicability and unsupportive nurse educators.ConclusionsThe information generated from this integrative review provides evidence about barriers that can be mitigated and facilitators that can be leveraged to facilitate undergraduate nursing students’ learning transfer into clinical practice. The findings also highlighted gaps in evidence surrounding the need to understand how nursing students transfer learning from classroom settings to clinical practice settings.     

Nursing students' first-time experiences in pediatric clinical practice in Taiwan: A qualitative study

BackgroundA pediatric nursing practicum is essential in equipping students with basic knowledge of theory, professional attitudes, and skills for the clinical setting. However, students often face multiple challenges in the practicum due to gaps between theory and practice.PurposeTo describe nursing students' first-time experiences in pediatric clinical practice in Taiwan.MethodsA phenomenological approach with purposive sampling was used. Twenty participants were interviewed individually, in person, within a month of completion of a pediatric nursing practicum. Interviews were semi-structured and digitally recorded. Data analysis followed Colaizzi's methods; epochs (bracketing) focused analysis on students' experiences and maintained objectivity.FindingsThree themes and related subthemes emerged: (a) orienting to the pediatric unit (becoming familiar with common treatments and surroundings in the pediatric unit; recognizing people in the unit); (b) encountering challenges in pediatric and family-centered care (navigating communication between child and families; student nurse-patient relationships: maintaining a good rapport with children and their families; being prepared for quick role changes); (c) translating knowledge into clinical practice thoughtfully (providing desirable and correct responses for children and their families; providing a safe and friendly environment for children and their families).ConclusionsStudent nurses engaged in a variety of care practices necessitated by patients' differing ages, developmental levels, and family needs. Ensuring students' successful completion of the demanding pediatric practicum, including innovative communication, technical skills, and role transitions, is challenging yet achievable.Clinical relevanceGaining a fuller understanding of nursing students' experiences in the pediatric nursing practicum can assist nursing professionals in preparing students to provide competent care for children and their families.     

Effects of high-fidelity simulation teaching on nursing students' knowledge,professional skills and clinical ability: A meta-analysis and systematic review

ObjectiveThis meta-analysis was designed to systematically determine the effect of high-fidelity simulation teaching on nursing students' knowledge level, professional skill level and clinical ability.BackgroundHigh-fidelity simulation is an increasingly popular pedagogical approach in nursing education. It provides students with opportunity to practice in a variety of simulations before entering clinical practice through a variety of real-life situational experiences and many institutions and educators have embraced this method for enhancing access to clinical skills. However, evidence for the effectiveness of the method in nursing teaching remains scarce.DesignA meta-analysis and systematic review.MethodsThe following Chinese and English databases were searched for relevant articles: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and Wangfang. The search encompassed the establishment of these databases up until November 2021. Two reviewers separately entered the data into Review Manager Software 5.3.ResultsA total of 15 studies were included in this study. High-fidelity simulation significantly increased nursing students’ knowledge acquisition (SMD = 1. 37, 94％CI:0. 73–2. 00，P ＜0. 0001), enhanced nursing students’professional skills (SMD = 0. 90, 95％CI:0. 36–1. 44，P = 0. 0001). In terms of clinical practice ability outcomes, high-fidelity simulation significantly improved the levels of critical thinking ability (SMD = 0. 58, 95％CI:0. 09–1. 07，P ＜0. 00001), Clinical judgement ability (SMD = 1. 34, 95％CI:0. 38–2. 31，P＝0. 006) and communication skills (SMD = 2. 62, 95％CI:1. 84–3. 40，P ＜0. 001) of nursing students.ConclusionsWe found that high-fidelity simulation have strong educational effects in nursing education, helping nursing students to increase knowledge acquisition, enhance professional skills and cultivate their clinical practice ability (critical thinking ability, communication skills and clinical judgement ability). These findings can provide guidance for nursing educators, indicating that the use of High-fidelity simulation teaching represents an effective solution for transitioning students from the learning environment to clinical practice.     

Development of the Nursing Practice Readiness Scale for new graduate nurses: A methodological study

AimTo develop a scale to assess nursing practice readiness and verify its validity and reliability.BackgroundPractice readiness refers to the attitude and characteristics of new employees that enable them to successfully adapt to the workplace. For new graduate nurses to receive on-the-job training appropriate to their individual competency level, a scale to assess nursing practice readiness is needed.DesignA methodological study was conducted in two phases: (1) development of the scale through a literature review and interviews related to nursing practice readiness; (2) confirming construct validity, criterion-related validity and reliability of the developed scale.MethodsData were collected from 430 new graduate nurses in South Korea. The validity and reliability of the scale were verified using maximum likelihood exploratory factor analysis with promax factor rotation, confirmatory factor analysis using maximum likelihood estimation, Pearson correlation, analysis of variance and Cronbach’s alpha.ResultsThe Nursing Practice Readiness Scale consisted of 35 items for five factors: clinical judgment and nursing performance, professional attitudes, patient-centeredness, self-regulation and collaborative interpersonal relationship. Confirmatory factor analysis results revealed an adequate model fit. Construct validity and criterion-related validity were verified and all factors achieved a Cronbach’s α greater than 0.80.ConclusionsThe developed scale can evaluate educational outcomes and determine the need for additional support, which can improve the workplace adaptation of new graduate nurses, patient safety and quality of care.     

Nursing students with special educational needs in Japan

AimTo reveal the prevalence of nursing students with special educational needs in Japan.MethodA mail survey of 833 nursing programs was conducted. Nurse educators were asked to report on their program's profiles and the number of extremely difficult students who belonged to the March 2011 class of graduates. They were also asked to fill a modified questionnaire developed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology about each extremely difficult student.ResultsAmong the 14,325 students enrolled the class of 2011, 146 students (1.02%) were identified as having one or more special educational needs for “listening,” “speaking,” “reading,” “writing,” “math,” “reasoning,” “inattentiveness,” “hyperactivity/impulsivity,” or “social interaction/restricted interests.” The most prevalent need was “social interaction/restricted interests,” followed by “listening” and “inattentiveness.” These students had the most difficulty participating in “nursing care for patients during clinical practicum.”ConclusionThe proportion of nursing students with special educational needs is small but may have a large impact on the clinical practicum. Evaluation and support systems at multiple levels, including entrance examinations, course placement, and special educational programs, are warranted.     

Using focused reflection and articulation to promote clinical reasoning: an evidence-based teaching strategy

This research explored the effects of instructing first-semester nursing students in the use of focused reflection and articulation to promote clinical reasoning. Student volunteers were randomly assigned to four clinical groups. Two groups that received instruction in the use of focused reflection and articulation scored significantly higher on the practice measure of clinical reasoning, accounting for 29 percent of the variance between groups. Once clinical reasoning scores were tabulated, the top six and bottom six scorers on clinical reasoning were interviewed to identify qualitative differences between students with different reasoning levels. Themes from the interviews revealed that those with high clinical reasoning reported a high frequency of use of focused reflection and articulation, engaged in abstract learning, and were more self-regulated in their learning than those who scored low on clinical reasoning. This study provides empirical evidence that using instructional methods that focus learners' attention on the concrete application of theory in the practicum setting helps enhance their reasoning skills.     

Preparing the nursing student for internship in a pre-registration nursing program: Developing a problem based approach with the use of high fidelity simulation equipment

AimThis paper aims to explore the development and evaluation results of a simulated skills package designed using a problem based learning approach with general nursing students.BackgroundInternationally, the use of high fidelity simulated learning environments has escalated. This has occurred as a result of growing concerns relating to patient safety, patient litigation, lack of clinical opportunities for student nurses to gain experience and integration of new teaching methods into nursing curricula. There are however both proponents and opponents to the value of simulation and high fidelity simulation within nursing education.MethodsThis study was conducted in an Irish school of nursing. A simulated learning support package was developed by nurse educators and piloted with 134 third year nursing students. This was evaluated using a questionnaire in which 87 students responded.FindingsStudents generally found the simulation sessions realistic and useful in developing clinical skills, knowledge and confidence for clinical practice. However student issues regarding support with preparation for the session were highlighted. Also, the need for a more formalised structure for debriefing following the simulation sessions were identified.ConclusionIt is hoped that this paper will provide nurse educators with some guidance to aid future development of innovative and interactive teaching and learning strategies.     

Development and Evaluation of a Home-visit Simulation Scenario for Elderly People with Diabetes Mellitus Who Live Alone

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Developing and evaluating a simulation scenario for community nursing practicum students.

Design: One group, pretest posttest design with 87 nursing students.

Methods: Data were collected through questionnaires. The simulation was based on Jeffries’ simulation model and used a standardized patient.

Findings: Self-efficacy and critical thinking increased with the developed simulation. Positive correlations were identified among critical thinking, learning effectiveness, and self-efficacy.

Conclusions: The home-visit simulation scenario was effective in providing students with a problem-solving experience in conditions similar to reality.

Clinical Evidence: Further research is needed to develop various types of community simulation scenarios to enhance competency for community health practice.     

Telehealth readiness and its influencing factors among Chinese clinical nurses: A cross-sectional study

Aim/objectiveThis study aimed to assess telehealth readiness among clinical nurses in China and explore the factors that affect their telehealth readiness and the relationships of telehealth readiness and telehealth practice-related variables.BackgroundTelehealth is a new service model that uses information and communication technology to provide professional health care services for resource-poor areas. With the global spread of COVID-19, nurses urgently need to adapt and apply telehealth technology to replace conventional face-to-face treatment. However, nurse-led telehealth services in China are currently only in the pilot phase and the readiness of clinical nurses needs to be assessed to facilitate successful telehealth implementation.DesignA cross-sectional, multicentre study was undertaken with the questionnaire survey method.MethodsData were collected in October-December 2020 used online questionnaires. A convenience sample of 3386 nurses from 19 hospitals in China completed the Chinese version of Telehealth Readiness Assessment Tools.ResultsThe mean score of the telehealth readiness was in the category between 61 and 80 points (mean 61.23, SD 11.61). The percentages of nurses meeting the following levels of telehealth readiness were as follows: low (49.9%), moderate (42.0%) and high (8.1%). Significantly higher domain scores were recorded for nurses in the unmarried, head of responsible nursing group. Moreover, there were positive correlations between telehealth readiness level and service experience, service willingness, mode cognition, manpower allocation and policy guidance.ConclusionsThere are still many factors hindering the successful implementation of telehealth. Nursing educators should formulate telehealth education curriculum and service standards to improve the telehealth readiness of nurses.     

E-portfolio functional requirements for the final semester baccalaureate practicum course: A qualitative research study

BackgroundThe purpose of the nursing practicum course is to enable students to integrate cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills into professional competencies prior to clinical work. With advances in information technology, e-portfolio focusing on individualized learning, reflection, and self-management has received positive consideration. The nursing profession has since adopted it as part of nursing education.PurposeThis study explored the needs and perceptions of students in a baccalaureate nursing program regarding the use of e-portfolio in the final semester practicum course.MethodThis study used semi-structured focus group interviews and applied the principles of content analysis to interview content.ResultsFour key research themes were revealed: (1) anticipated functions achieved, (2) ease of uploading data and showcasing learning results (3) functionality extensions to enhance mobile learning, and (4) policy guidelines for mandatory use and plagiarism prevention.ConclusionE-portfolio assists in integrating knowledge, practical skills, and achievement recognition into the learning process. The use of e-portfolio with upgrades can enable learning of clinical competencies by students in preparation for clinical nursing practice.