Challenges experienced by undergraduate nursing students during their clinical rotations

Abstract

Abstract: Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital is the main referral hospital in Western Kenya. With increasing quest for higher education in nursing, many nursing institutions offering degree and diploma programmes use MTRH for clinical attachments and experiences. This has led to overcrowding of students and overstretching of the strained resources. Setting: Moi University-School of Nursing, MTRH Study Population: All third and fourth year Nursing students, Moi University. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to find out the challenges experienced by undergraduate Nursing Students of Moi University, School of Nursing during their clinical rotations. Specific Objectives were to find out how well prepared students were before the clinical rotations; determine the suitability of the learning environment, determine the effectiveness of the evaluation tools used to assess students at the end of each clinical rotation and the adequacy of time allocated for the clinical rotations. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: A total of 38 students filled the questionnaire, (100%). Those who agreed that basic sciences prepared them well for clinical rotations were 68% and 34% indicated that the skills laboratory prepared them well. Those who reported being comfortable with using the instruments and equipment in the clinical areas were 32%. Most respondents (71%) agreed that most patients in the clinical areas were co-operative. The protocols and procedure manuals in the clinical areas were reported to be inappropriate for learning by 34%. The effectiveness of the evaluation tools was supported by 29% of the respondents while most, 45% indicated that the time allocated for clinical rotations was inadequate. Conclusion: The Nursing Students experienced various challenges during their clinical rotations that require attention as indicated in the study findings.