Abstract

Community health nursing is an exciting, challenging, and evolving field that creatively integrates various areas of nursing practice with public health knowledge (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2016). Learning in practical settings is invaluable for student nurses; that is why clinical placements account for 50% of nursing curriculum requirements (Henderson, 2011). At Makassed University of Beirut, the community nursing practicum takes place in schools, with school nurses serving as mentors during these placements.

This research study aims to:

  • Explore the experiences of student nurses during community clinical practice.
  • Develop guidelines to enhance learning during community clinical practice.

The study sample consisted of 157 nursing students enrolled in a community nursing course from 2015 to 2020. The evaluation of students’ performance was conducted by mentors at the end of each clinical experience, alongside students' reflections on their daily experiences using the DEAL Model.

Results: The analysis of mentors’ evaluations indicated that students demonstrated a strong cooperative attitude in the school environment. While student nurses consistently implemented screenings for students in schools, they required more practice in independently evaluating student complaints. The reflections were analyzed thematically, leading to the identification of four primary themes: direct nursing care, communication skills, leadership abilities, and client education. Data showed that students were generally satisfied with their community experiences.

Recommendations: There is a need to clarify and emphasize the responsibilities of school nurses by applying the school practicum guidelines. Furthermore, it is important to define the role and responsibilities of instructors in the community practicum to enable mentors to provide effective feedback and support for students. Lastly, incorporating community health concepts into all nursing courses throughout the Bachelor of Nursing program is essential.

Author Details

Lina Ghosn Nouwayhed a lecturer/ PhD at Makassed University of Beirut

Sigma Membership

Chi Iota

Type

Dissertation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Descriptive/Correlational

Research Approach

Mixed/Multi Method Research

Keywords:

Community Nursing, Community Health Nurse, Competence, Nursing Education

Advisor

Elie Non

Degree

PhD

Degree Grantor

American University of London

Degree Year

2017

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

Review Type

None: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

Full Text of Presentation

wf_yes

Download
Click on the above link to access the dissertation.

Share

COinS