Background of the Study
Early clinical exposure is considered a key component in nursing education as it provides students with practical experience in real healthcare settings, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to patient care and clinical practice (Olumide et al., 2023). Clinical exposure is integral in nursing education because it not only enhances technical skills but also improves students' confidence in their ability to perform clinical tasks (Michele & Aliyu, 2024). In Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, early clinical exposure is implemented as part of the curriculum for nursing students, with the aim of fostering clinical competence and building self-confidence (Abubakar & Olamide, 2023).
The benefits of early clinical exposure are well-documented in nursing literature, with studies indicating that it helps students develop professional identity, enhance critical thinking, and improve their communication skills (Adeleke et al., 2023). However, there is still a gap in the evidence regarding how early exposure to clinical settings specifically impacts students' confidence levels, especially in a diverse and resource-challenged setting like the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (Sambo & Olamide, 2024).
Nursing students often face challenges when transitioning from the classroom to clinical practice, such as anxiety, fear of making mistakes, and a lack of confidence in patient interactions (Ajayi & Abdullahi, 2023). Early clinical exposure aims to mitigate these challenges by allowing students to interact with patients and healthcare professionals at the beginning of their education, thus increasing their comfort and competence in clinical settings. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of early clinical exposure in improving nursing students' confidence levels at Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital.
Statement of the Problem
Nursing students in Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital may experience low confidence levels when they first begin clinical practice due to a lack of direct patient interaction during the early stages of their education. This lack of confidence can affect their performance in clinical settings and hinder the development of necessary clinical skills. Early clinical exposure is believed to help address these issues, but there is insufficient research on how effective it is in improving students' confidence levels in the context of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital. This gap in knowledge necessitates an evaluation of the impact of early clinical exposure on nursing students' confidence.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the impact of early clinical exposure on nursing students' confidence levels at Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital.
2. To identify the factors contributing to changes in students' confidence levels following early clinical exposure.
3. To propose recommendations for improving clinical exposure programs to further enhance students' confidence.
Research Questions
1. How does early clinical exposure affect the confidence levels of nursing students at Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital?
2. What factors contribute to changes in nursing students' confidence levels following early clinical exposure?
3. How can early clinical exposure programs be improved to enhance students' confidence?
Research Hypotheses
1. Early clinical exposure significantly improves the confidence levels of nursing students at Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital.
2. There is a positive correlation between the length of early clinical exposure and students' confidence levels.
3. Factors such as patient interaction and mentorship during early clinical exposure positively influence students' confidence levels.
Scope and Limitations of the Study This study will focus on nursing students at Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital and assess their confidence levels before and after early clinical exposure. Limitations include potential biases in self-reported data and the influence of external factors such as personal experiences or support systems that may also affect students' confidence levels.
Definitions of Terms
• Early Clinical Exposure: The process by which nursing students are introduced to clinical settings early in their education to gain practical experience (Sambo & Olamide, 2024).
• Confidence Levels: The degree to which nursing students feel competent and self-assured in their ability to perform clinical tasks (Ajayi & Abdullahi, 2023).
• Clinical Skills: The practical abilities required to provide effective nursing care in healthcare settings, including patient assessment, administration of treatments, and communication (Michele & Aliyu, 2024).
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