The Effects on Caring Behavior of Nursing Students with Different Phases of Clinical Practice in a 5-Year Junior College in Southern Taiwan

Purpose:

 The aim of this study was to compare the caring behaviors and related factors among nursing students with the initial and final phase of clinical practice in a 5-year Junior College.

Methods:

 Methodologically, a cross-sectional survey with a self-administered structured questionnaire in the first and the final phase of clinical practice during practicum was implemented for this purpose. Subjects of this survey were recruited from students of one 5-year Junior College located in Southern Taiwan. A total of 194 subjects were recruited. Cronbach’s Alpha and content validity were conducted to assess the reliability and validity of scales. Collecting questionnaire data was anonymous. The data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results:

 Results of the study showed that the mean score of caring behavior in the first and final phase was 51.56 and 54.72 separately. Results also sowed that there were differences between both phases of clinical practicum were found in caring behavior, support from the clinical workplace, and clinical teaching strategies. Hence, the significant predictors of the caring behavior score among subjects in the final phase included interest in nursing practicum, clinical teaching strategies, students’ characteristics, and hospital class. The total amount of variance could be explained 21.6%.

Conclusion: However, the findings demonstrate that the caring behavior of nursing students has been promoted through continuous clinical practicum program. Nursing faculty should inspire the students to learn the caring behaviors with diverse teaching strategies and be set up as an example of a role model.