International nursing students’ experiences of the guidance during clinical practice
Mangwi, Mispa (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024101626472
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024101626472
Tiivistelmä
Clinical practice enables international nursing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-life environment and it is a relevant landmark in nursing education in Finland. Internationally oriented nursing degree programs now offer more opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse students to pursue their nursing degrees in Finland.
The aim of this study was to examine international nursing students’ experiences of the guidance during clinical practice. The objective was to generate relevant information that healthcare professionals can use to improve the support offered to international nursing students during clinical practices to enhance their learning. This was further guided by three research questions related to experiences with orientation programs, supervision/mentorship and feedback.
Quantitative method (survey) was employed in the study. Data was collected with an electronic questionnaire from nursing students (n=52) who had completed at least one clinical practice in Finland.
The results revealed that international nursing students generally were not satisfied with the orientation programs, supervision/mentorship and feedback during clinical practice. This influenced their learning and causing some not to achieve their expectations.
In conclusion, healthcare institutions could build a comprehensive orientation program in both English and Finnish language for international nursing students. This will enhance their understanding of the organisation’s rules and regulations and other values that are relevant to students’ learning as well as their Finnish language skills. Provide students with multiple interactive orientation sessions that give an overview of Finnish healthcare culture, communication styles and mode of conduct. This will make students feel comfortable and easily adapt to these settings. Regular training sessions could be provided for nurse mentors on intercultural competence, mentoring strategies and communication. A peer mentoring program can also be put in place where nursing students who have advanced with clinical practice can support new students. Lastly, a more enhanced feedback mechanism can be developed which is regular, specific and non-judgmental to motivate and build the confidence level of international nursing students.
The aim of this study was to examine international nursing students’ experiences of the guidance during clinical practice. The objective was to generate relevant information that healthcare professionals can use to improve the support offered to international nursing students during clinical practices to enhance their learning. This was further guided by three research questions related to experiences with orientation programs, supervision/mentorship and feedback.
Quantitative method (survey) was employed in the study. Data was collected with an electronic questionnaire from nursing students (n=52) who had completed at least one clinical practice in Finland.
The results revealed that international nursing students generally were not satisfied with the orientation programs, supervision/mentorship and feedback during clinical practice. This influenced their learning and causing some not to achieve their expectations.
In conclusion, healthcare institutions could build a comprehensive orientation program in both English and Finnish language for international nursing students. This will enhance their understanding of the organisation’s rules and regulations and other values that are relevant to students’ learning as well as their Finnish language skills. Provide students with multiple interactive orientation sessions that give an overview of Finnish healthcare culture, communication styles and mode of conduct. This will make students feel comfortable and easily adapt to these settings. Regular training sessions could be provided for nurse mentors on intercultural competence, mentoring strategies and communication. A peer mentoring program can also be put in place where nursing students who have advanced with clinical practice can support new students. Lastly, a more enhanced feedback mechanism can be developed which is regular, specific and non-judgmental to motivate and build the confidence level of international nursing students.