title: Student nurse preferences for their first clinical experience: a thematic analysis.
abstract: Shifts in demographic profiles and in the understanding of how to best deliver health care have seen nurses increasingly caring for non-acute client groups outside traditional clinical settings. Evidence suggests that this does not always sit well with nurses, or with nurses in training. This study sought to investigate the influences on student nurse perceptions of the worth of working with various client groups. Thematic analysis of a focus group discussion led to the identification of several themes suggesting that unhelpful opinions are present in some students on entry to the programme; however, programme-related influences also contribute towards unhelpful attitudes. To create a more positive framing of working within such specialisms will require significant focus across nursing, nurse education and society in general.
authors.affiliation: Nurse Lecturer/Programme Lead, School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gillespie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Attitudes; Clinical placements; Community-based care; Long-term conditions; Pre-registration nurse training