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Learning Objective 1: Describe the nursing student's perceptions of their learning environment.
Learning Objective 2: Explain the nursing student's perceptions of faculty as role models.
This quantitative study examined the perceptions of nursing students on caring using two survey tools developed by Linda Hughes, PhD, RN. The Peer Group Caring Interaction Scale (PGCIS) (1998) and the Organizational Climate for Caring Questionnaire (OCCQ) (1993, 2001).The PGCIS was developed to measure the climate of caring experience among student peers. The OCCQ measures caring in the learning environment, which includes both the classroom and clinical settings.
Participants were nursing students from two different nursing programs located in the northern plains. Group one consisted of students accepted into an NLN-accredited baccalaureate nursing program. These students were surveyed at mid-term during the fall semester of 2010. Group two was from a community college that is part of a state wide consortium. The consortium is a step program that offers a practical nursing certification and an associate degree RN. Group two students were surveyed at mid-term during the 2011 spring semester.
Caring is not only an important attribute of nursing, it is a driving force for patient satisfaction. Study of caring behavior is important because students are susceptible to the attitudes of their peers, instructors and the nursing staff within the clinical agencies.
In conclusion, findings from this study provide data that supports a climate of caring between students and their peers. Students in this study rated their clinical faculty as mentors and positive role models along with providing confidence in their success.