Background of the Study
Clinical placements are an integral part of nursing education, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. These placements provide nursing students with hands-on experience in real healthcare settings, allowing them to develop critical skills such as patient care, clinical decision-making, and teamwork (Okonkwo & Hassan, 2024). Nursing education in Nigeria follows a structured curriculum that includes hospital-based training, community health experience, and clinical rotations in specialized units (Afolabi et al., 2023). However, despite the importance of clinical placements, nursing students often encounter various challenges that hinder their learning and professional development.
Students undertaking clinical placements in Kaduna State University (KASU) face a range of difficulties, including inadequate supervision, lack of essential learning resources, high patient loads, and negative attitudes from hospital staff (Ibrahim & Musa, 2023). Additionally, factors such as psychological stress, long working hours, and exposure to infectious diseases contribute to the challenges experienced by nursing students during clinical practice (Odetola et al., 2024). The ability to cope with these challenges determines students’ overall performance and their preparedness for professional nursing practice.
Despite the increasing enrollment of nursing students in Kaduna State University, there is limited research examining the specific challenges they encounter during clinical placements. Understanding these challenges is crucial in improving nursing education, enhancing student experience, and ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to handle the demands of the healthcare sector. This study aims to evaluate the difficulties faced by nursing students during their clinical placements at KASU, identifying key areas that require intervention for a more effective learning experience.
Statement of the Problem
Clinical placements are essential in nursing education, yet many students in Nigeria report significant challenges that affect their learning and overall performance (Ogunyemi & Adewale, 2023). At Kaduna State University, nursing students are expected to apply theoretical knowledge in clinical settings; however, reports suggest that they struggle with limited supervision, inadequate learning materials, and stressful working environments (Usman et al., 2024). These challenges may compromise their confidence, skill acquisition, and professional growth, potentially affecting the quality of nursing graduates produced by the institution.
Despite various strategies to improve clinical learning environments, students continue to face difficulties, and there is limited research addressing these specific issues in Kaduna State University. This study seeks to evaluate the challenges encountered by nursing students during clinical placements, with the goal of identifying solutions that can enhance their training experience and academic success.
Objectives of the Study
1. To identify the key challenges faced by nursing students during clinical placements at Kaduna State University.
2. To assess the impact of these challenges on students’ learning outcomes and professional development.
3. To suggest strategies for improving the clinical learning experience for nursing students.
Research Questions
1. What are the major challenges faced by nursing students during clinical placements at KASU?
2. How do these challenges impact students’ learning outcomes and professional growth?
3. What strategies can be implemented to improve clinical placement experiences for nursing students?
Research Hypotheses
1. There is a significant relationship between inadequate supervision and nursing students’ clinical performance.
2. Limited learning resources negatively affect the skill acquisition of nursing students during clinical placements.
3. Psychological stress significantly impacts the confidence and competence of nursing students.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nursing students at Kaduna State University who have undergone clinical placements in various healthcare settings. It will examine their experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms. The study will not include students from other universities or other healthcare professionals involved in clinical training. Limitations may include potential biases in students’ self-reported experiences and variations in the quality of placements across different hospitals.
Definitions of Terms
• Clinical Placement: A period of supervised practical training in a healthcare setting as part of nursing education.
• Supervision: The guidance and oversight provided by clinical instructors and hospital staff to nursing students.
• Skill Acquisition: The process through which nursing students develop practical competencies required for professional practice.
• Psychological Stress: Emotional and mental strain experienced by students due to workload, pressure, and challenging environments.
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