Perceptions of student nurses on clinical assessment at higher education institutions in Ngaka Modiri Molema district

Abstract

Background: Assessing clinical competence to ensure that students have relevant abilities and skills to be competent nurses remains one of the key elements in nursing education (Engstrom 2017: 23). According to Vincent et al (2022:1) assessment is a wide range of methods that educators can use to measure the level of competency of students. The researcher strongly believes there is a need for this study as clinical assessment continues to be a challenge in higher education institutions, students continue to express stress and a negative attitude towards clinical assessments. Problem statement: As a clinical preceptor in a higher education institute in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, North West province, South Africa, the researcher observed that students perform poorly during clinical assessment due to aspects such as limited time, anxiety, and fear. Therefore, the researcher believes that this study is important as the students are the customers of the institutions. Consequently, exploring their perceptions on clinical assessment will enhance quality assurance and thus greatly benefit both students and higher education institutions. Aim: The aim of the study is to explore and describe the nursing students’ perceptions on clinical assessment in the selected higher education institutions in Ngaka Modiri Molema district. Setting: The study was conducted in two higher education institutions in Ngaka Modiri Molema district. Method: A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was used in conducting this study from purposively recruited participants. Donabedian medical model of quality assurance was used to collect and analyse data. Six focus group discussions with 3 groups from each higher education institution were recruited for this study. Content data analysis was followed. Ethical approval was granted by the health research committee. The ethical clearance number for this study is NWU – 00189-21-A1. Results: Four themes emerged from the study: Structure, process, outcome, and suggestions. Each theme has various subthemes Conclusion: The findings of the study highlighted that the participants were faced with a number of challenges such as outdated mannequins and limited time for

assessments. In addition, the students experienced anxiety during clinical assessments.