Nursing students’ satisfaction and clinical competence by type of pediatric nursing practicum during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate student nurses’ satisfaction by type of clinical practicum and to determine predictors of clinical competence in pediatric nursing.Methods: A total of 189 Junior and Senior student nurses across seven colleges in the Busan Metropolitan City were enrolled in the study. The participants completed a structured questionnaire containing items about their learning satisfaction with different types of pediatric nursing practicums and their clinical competence. Data were analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis.Results: Regarding satisfaction with each type of clinical practicum, the mean satisfaction score (out of 10) was 8.18±2.26 for on-site clinical rotations and 7.35±2.20 for alternative practicums. Among the different types of alternative practicum approaches, those with a satisfaction score of 7 or higher included fundamental nursing skills, watching videos, simulation etc., while those with a satisfaction score of less than 6 were virtual simulation and problem-based learning. The predictors of clinical competence in pediatric nursing were learning satisfaction with practice, school year, and alternative practicum, accounting for 35.0% of the variance in clinical competency.Conclusion: It would be helpful to combine on-site clinical rotations with alternative practicum approaches and to develop various alternative practice programs using simulation practice, virtual reality, immersive interactive systems, and standardized patients to enhance students’ clinical competency.