Nursing Graduates' Perceptions of Their Undergraduate Clinical Placement

Abstract

Student clinical practice is a significant and essential part of nursing education. Accordingly, clinical placements need to be positive and valuable. The purpose of this study was to describe newly-graduated nurses' perceptions of their student clinical intersession placements and how these placements impacted their functioning as graduate nurses. Inductive semantic analysis of the data revealed four themes: developing nursing skills and knowledge; preparing for future employment; experiencing supportive relationships; and experiencing realities of work-life. Educators must ensure that clinical placements are in an environment that is conducive to learning and promotes the personal and professional development of nursing students. Positive clinical experiences are more likely related to how valued and supported students feel than the physical aspects of a placement; thus, it is imperative educators assess and focus on providing placements that offer a supportive learning environment.