Student nurses' perceptions of clinical placements in Australian Prison Health Services: A mixed methods study

• Published in: Nurse education in practice 2017-05, Vol.24, p.55-61
• Main Authors: van de Mortel, Thea F., Needham, Judith, Barnewall, Kate, Djachenko, Ashleigh, Patrick, Jennifer
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attitude of Health Personnel; Australia; Behavioral Objectives; Chronic illnesses; Clinical nursing; Clinical placement; Clinical placements; Clinical skills; Cohort Studies; Correctional Institutions; Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate - methods; Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate - standards; Educational Environment; Emotions; Evidence based research; Health services; Humans; Mixed methods research; Nurses; Nursing; Nursing Students; Perception; Perceptions; Preceptors; Prison health services; Prisons; Prisons - standards; Professional attitudes; Psychiatric-mental health nursing; Qualitative Research; Simulation; Student attitudes; Student Experience; Student Needs; Students, Nursing - psychology; Suitability; Survey; Surveys and Questionnaires; Undergraduate Students
• ISSN: 1471-5953; 1873-5223
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2017.04.007

Increasing demands for clinical placements have forced tertiary institutions to look for alternative placements for third year nursing students. While Prison Health Services provide an opportunity for nursing students to engage in care of offender populations with significant chronic illnesses, there has been little evaluation of such placements. Third year undergraduate nurses (18/46) participated in a mixed methods study to provide evidence-based research on students’ perceptions of clinical placements in Prison Health Services. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected via an anonymous survey and individual interview. Whilst the majority of students valued the opportunity to increase their knowledge and clinical skills and felt supported by preceptors, challenges included being psychologically ill-prepared for the physical and emotional aspects of placement, and witnessing poor attitudes and behaviours of staff, which impacted on the quality of their experience. Recommendations include changes to orientation programs and introduction of simulation to help students feel better prepared and supported during placements in prison settings. Refining the selection process for placements in this setting will also help to ensure student suitability for clinical placement in Prison Health Services. •Eighty-nine percent of students who attended a prison placement rated it as effective.•Students wanted a detailed orientation and psychological preparation for dealing with offenders.•Preceptors needed training on providing constructive feedback and managing group dynamics.