Challenges of Nursing Students in Relation to Academic Performance at the Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences

Nursing students face various challenges during their years of study, which may hinder their academic performance. The success of nursing students is particularly important given that they must provide quality care to patients, family members and the community. Academic performance in nursing programs includes advances in theoretical subjects and the acquisition of practical skills in the clinic. A series of studies have shown that during the years of study, nursing students face many difficulties that affect their learning skills and consequently their academic performance. This study aims to identify and describe the difficulties experienced by nursing students of the Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences of Tirana in relation to academic performance. This goal was achieved by using a qualitative research method, such as focus group discussion. Data were collected through discussion with 51 Bachelor students, 17 of whom in the first year, 15 in the second year and 19 participants in the third year. For each year of the study 2 semi-structured discussions were held and the data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings of this study found that nursing students face these difficulties: Low level of students engagement in clinical practice; Low number of nursing courses; Passive teaching methods; Unfair and non-transparent evaluation; Large number of exams per season; Insufficient time to prepare for the season; Employment and finances; Physical environment in the faculty and public transport. Heads of Departments and Faculty can use the findings of this study to provide the necessary support that nursing students seek in reducing the difficulties they face in order to enhance their academic performance.