1Nursing College of Korea University. 2Department of Nursing, Hanyang University. 3Department of Nursing, Sahmyook University. kangka@syu.ac.kr
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of study was to describe and evaluate the educational status regarding clinical practicum for child health nursing to facilitate student's clinical compliance for the bachelor's degree in Korea. Methods: The study was a descriptive study and included data from 40 institutions among the 53 university nursing programs in Korea(75.5% response rate). Data were collected using mailed semi structured questionnaires and content analysis was done.
RESULTS: Findings show that most institutions have common learning objectives for the clinical practicum; neonatal care, high risk infant care, hospitalized child care, and advanced nursing practice. The mode for theoretical credits in child health nursing was 5 to 6 and 3 to 4 credits for clinical practice. The practice settings were prepared to provide diverse experiences, including childcare centers, and community centers with various learning activities.
Evaluation for learning outcomes included faculty and instructors. It was pointed out that updating evaluation based on student and faculty feedback is important for a comprehensive practicum evaluation. Conclusions: Findings suggest that there is a -need for a generalized curriculum for clinical practicum and for the expanding role of advanced nursing practice-, a need for diverse clinical settings for practice, and effective guidance and learning activities. It is significantly noted that the attitude and teaching methodologies of clinical instructor's are highly important to effective clinical learning outcomes.