USING ART TO BOOST THE SELF-CONFIDENCE OF BSN GRADUATING NURSES
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to help BSN graduating nurses increase their self-confidence and 2) to encourage their self-expression using a selection of a personal motto and art materials. Attainment of knowledge is a precursor to self-confidence. Graduating nurses from a BSN program have attained the requisite clinical skills and theory knowledge base to be competent entry level nurses. Self-confidence is a valued attribute in which an individual believes in their abilities. Support is needed for new BSN graduates to encourage their self-confidence. This was a phenomenological study. It was based on earlier works of Kroner and Biermann that found that low self-confidence makes others feels uncomfortable. The study used a phenomenological approach to this qualitative research. Emphasis was on the meaning of the “lived experience” of each participant. Using in depth interviews with each participating nursing student was the means of data collection. Each participant described their artistic expression. Feedback from the nursing students and others has been strongly positive. All students reported that they had never considered a personal motto before this study. They reported that this motto would become part of their persona as it increased their self-confidence. Nursing educators have the challenge of preparing nursing students who can practice as safe, competent, and self-confident entry level nurses upon graduation. This study highlights the importance of developing self-confidence among senior nursing students using innovative, artistic expression within a nursing theory course.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to help BSN graduating nurses increase their self-confidence and 2) to encourage their self-expression using a selection of a personal motto and art materials.
Methods: This study was a phenomenological study. It was based on earlier works of Kroner and Biermann that found that low self-confidence makes others feel uncomfortable.
Results: Feedback from the nursing students and others has been strongly positive. All students reported that they had never considered a personall motto before this study. They reported that this motto would become a part of themselves as it increased their self-confidence.
Conclusion: Nursing educators have the challenge of preparing nursing students who can practice as safe, competent, and self-confident entry level nurses upon graduation. This study highlights the importance of developing self-confidence among senior baccalaureate nursing students using an innovative, artisitic expression within a nursing theory course.