Innovative Approach to Senior Practicum Students

A Transformative Learning Experience for Senior Nursing Students

BACKGROUND

Research suggests that clinical practicums in hospital-based settings are important, even if condensed, to provide students with the opportunity for real-world learning experiences. Rational dialogue makes learning meaningful and empowers students to learn by reflecting on experiences.

PROBLEM

The COVID-19 pandemic minimized availability of traditional one-to-one mentorship practicums.

APPROACH

This article describes the use of critical reflection on experiences in an undergraduate senior mentorship course to assess student learning through the thematic analysis of writing assignments. Guided by Mezirow's transformative learning theory, students completed a traditional group clinical practice, written reflective journals and virtual seminars focused on role development, and reflection on concurrent learning in clinical and simulation experiences.

OUTCOMES

Transformative learning was evident in their writing. Student journals demonstrated themes of responding to change, discovering resilience, developing confidence, finding gratitude, embracing advocacy, and transforming and becoming.

CONCLUSIONS

Through critical reflection, students recognized the opportunities mentorship afforded them, despite challenges.

Final clinical practicum shapes the transition experience and occupational commitment of newly graduated nurses in Europe-A longitudinal study

AIMS

The aim of the study was to examine the association between the characteristics of a nursing student's final clinical practicum and the success of transition of newly graduated nurses (NGNs) in six European countries.

DESIGN

A longitudinal design with two data collections points (pre- and post-graduate).

METHODS

The data were collected with an online survey between May 2018 and April 2020 from graduating nursing students (n = 1796) in Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania and Spain. Altogether, 642 NGNs responded to the second questionnaire 1 year after graduation. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to examine the associations between five clinical practicum characteristics and three indicators for the success of transition (ease of transition, turnover intentions and occupational commitment). Models were adjusted for demographic and background/workplace factors and professional competence.

RESULTS

Several associations were observed between the different clinical practicum characteristics and the indicators for a successful transition. Good pedagogical atmosphere and good supervisory relationship were associated with higher likelihood of an easy transition. Good leadership style of the ward manager, good premises of nursing care on the ward and a good supervisory relationship were associated with higher occupational commitment. No consistent association with turnover intention was found.

CONCLUSION

Having a good final clinical practicum before graduation can contribute to an easier transition experience for newly NGNs and strengthen their commitment to the nursing profession.

IMPACT

This study adds to the limited existing knowledge about the importance of final clinical practicums in shaping the transition process and occupational commitment of NGNs. Investing in creating a good final practicum experience could help healthcare organizations engage new nursing professionals and thus alleviate the existing shortage of nurses.