Factors Affecting the Clinical Practice of Nursing Interns at Tertiary Hospital Jeddah in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The shortage of nurses in Saudi Arabia like many other countries in the world is a problem. Additionally, there are a unique socio-cultural factor that causes the problem including but not limited to the negative perceptions and attitudes towards nurses. Unfortunately, the apprentices are subjected to a system that is inadequately represented by long working hours, negative images, and work pressures. In addition, several factors are attributed to the problems the students face during the initial year of clinical education. This study will analyze and evaluate the different factors that influence the clinical education of the bachelor nursing apprentices, particularly in the first year of experience.Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore the factors affecting the clinical practice of nursing interns at tertiary hospital Jeddah.Methodology and Methods: The research was employed as a qualitative approach. Bachelor nursing students who are currently undertaking their internship program in a tertiary hospital Jeddah) were recruited as participant in this study.Findings: Data analyses regarding the factors affecting the clinical practice of nursing interns are summarized both positively and negatively. The major theme that emerged that reflects the positive experiences of intern students was “a time for reflection”. Further to this the major theme that emerged relating to the challenges experienced by student interns was “cold environment’.Conclusions: The findings of this research contribute to our understanding of factors affecting the clinical practice of nursing interns. Students identified their clinical learning as cold learning environment because they were treated unfairly, ignored by their instructors and were being embarrassed and feeling restricted. Moreover, students have also identified positive experiences for them during their internship program. The internship program is a great chance for the student for a reflection.

Nursing Students’ Clinical Practice Experience During the Internship Year at Different Hospitals: A Qualitative Study

“…Moreover, this study revealed that the nursing interns from some hospitals experienced unfair treatment from other healthcare professionals such as nursing staff and physicians. This finding is consistent with previous studies that have highlighted the unfair treatment and ignorance enacted by nursing preceptors, managers, and physicians towards nursing interns in clinical practice [4]. This finding is likely due to the fact that the nursing staff in the hospitals investigated tended to use the interns to deal with Arabic patients who had difficult personalities and attitudes.…”

“…Similar results were demonstrated in the qualitative study conducted in Saudi Arabia that aimed to explore the factors affecting nursing interns' clinical practice [4]. Data were collected via interviews with undergraduate nursing students doing their internship programme at a tertiary hospital.…”

“…Previous research has identified several factors that influence undergraduate nursing students' experiences during their internship period. For instance, one study sought to explore the factors affecting the clinical practice of nursing interns at a tertiary hospital and found that the students had a positive experience [4]. They developed their communication, leadership, and coping skills and the internship programme provided deeper insight into the nursing profession that helped them make informed career decisions [4].…”

“…For instance, one study sought to explore the factors affecting the clinical practice of nursing interns at a tertiary hospital and found that the students had a positive experience [4]. They developed their communication, leadership, and coping skills and the internship programme provided deeper insight into the nursing profession that helped them make informed career decisions [4]. Another study explored why nursing students find it difficult to turn taught theoretical knowledge into clinical practice [5].…”

“…However, they also identified positive factors that enhanced their clinical experience, such as the development of personal growth and leadership skills which helped them become more independent in their practice and develop good communication skills for dealing with different kinds of people. Finally, the interns perceived the internship programme as an ideal chance for students to reflect on their learning [4].…”