Creating an orientation folder for international nursing students : Traumatology, ward 20

Abstract

The objective of the thesis was to plan and produce an orientation folder for international nursing students practicing on ward 20, Central Finland Central Hospital. The purpose of the folder is to give an introduction of the ward itself, the patient groups and daily routines in order to help the students integrate and to allow an independent working style.

A survey was used to find out about the necessity of orientation folders according to the students. Questionnaires have been sent out to the Degree Programme in Nursing study groups, namely SNP8, SNP9 and SNP10. The general notion was that a written orientation is needed and appreciated.

The orientation folder includes a brief introduction of the ward itself and offers an overview of the most common injuries, such as fractures and burns, which the students most likely will encounter during their practical training. In order to ease finding one’s way, the daily routines, revolving around the shifts and the daily programme on the ward, are explained shortly. As ward 20 is a surgical unit, the care cycle and the documentation differ from other units and are therefore clarified rather detailed.

Currently, the folder is still in the trial phase and will be updated as soon as the first feedback of the students has been collected and evaluated.