Attitudes of Nurses and Nursing Students Towards Each Other During Clinical Practice: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background

During the clinical practice process, students learn to apply theoretical knowledge in practice, develop competence in practical skills, and organize nursing care activities. In this process, nurses' professional, pedagogical, and communication skills, along with their clinical experience, play a crucial role in guiding and evaluating students.

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine the attitudes of nurses toward nursing students and of students toward nurses in clinical practice, as well as the factors influencing these attitudes.

Design

A descriptive design was used.

Methods

The population consisted of nursing students and nurses across the country. A total of 651 participants were included in the study, comprising 341 students and 310 nurses. Data were collected using the “Individual Assessment Form for Nurses”, “Individual Assessment Form for Nursing Students”, “Attitude Scale of Nurses Towards Nursing Students”, and ‘Attitude Scale of Nursing Students Towards Nursing’. The online survey was created by researchers using Google Forms.

Results

According to the findings, students' attitudes toward nurses were moderate, whereas nurses' attitudes toward students were more positive. Nurses' attitudes were influenced by their years of professional experience, while students' attitudes were affected by age, gender, academic year, experience of anxiety in the clinical setting, and the adequacy of nurse mentorship (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The findings show that nurses and students do not have similar attitudes toward each other on the same topics and situations. It is emphasized that educational programs, institutional support, and nurses' motivation for mentoring should be increased to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation in clinical practice.