Time, fear and transformation: Student nurses' experiences of doing a practicum (quality improvement project) in practice. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: James, Brian; Beattie, Michelle; Shepherd, Ashley; Armstrong, Lorraine; Wilkinson, Joyce
• Is Part Of: Nurse education in practice. Volume 19(2016:Jul.)
• Page Start: 70
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Quality improvement -- Curriculum -- Change -- Practice learning -- Clinical placement -- Qualitative interviews -- Thematic analysis; Nursing -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Education, Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.73071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2016.05.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-5953

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Improving and sustaining quality in healthcare continues to be a global challenge, resulting in the necessity of developing quality improvement (QI) skills and knowledge to use in practice. This paper reports student nurses' experiences of conducting a quality improvement project (Practicum) as a compulsory assessment whilst on clinical placement areas across Scotland. Methods: Telephone and face-to-face interviews (n = 18) were conducted using a semi-structured interview schedule. Discussions were transcribed verbatim and data were analysed thematically. Data were extracted from Practicum assignments (n = 50). Results: Three key themes emerged from the analysis: 1) Time; students highlighted the necessity of time in practice areas to acclimatise, socialise and conduct the Practicum. Timing of the Practicum within the curriculum was also important. 2) Fear; was experienced by many students at the perceived enormity of the assignment, the bravery needed to attempt to change practice and the adjustment to a unique type of assignment. 3) Transformation; students shared their shifted perceptions on completing a Practicum, including a sense of achievement and acknowledgement of key improvement skills for the future. Conclusions: Student nurses need to be stretched beyond their comfort zones to rise to the challenge of the Practicum, whilst ensuring adequate support mechanisms are in place from a range of sources.