The degree of preparedness and experience of student nurses participating in the generic program during their first clinical experience

Abstract

Results: The factor analysis found 4 factors that explained up to 33.82% of the variance in the experience: (1) the clinical instructor’s attitude toward the student, (2) the student’s self-confi dence in his or her abilities, (3) the department staff’s attitude toward the student, and (4) a sense of calmness and familiarity with the work environment. The students’ experience in each of the factors was above 4.33 on average (on a scale of 1-5). A strong, positive correlation was found between the support and guidance of the preceptor and between the clinical instructor’s approach toward the student; between the support and guidance of the preceptor, a sense of confi dence and ability to provide care; and between a positive relationship with staff and colleagues and the student’s confi dence in his or her personal ability.