Nursing students' and faculty's experiences of first medication administration: A phenomenological inquiry

Abstract

Background

Learning medication administration is essential for nursing students, but the first time can be stressful and shape their clinical development. Previous research primarily focused on student knowledge and technical aspects.

Purpose

This phenomenological study helped explore the lived experiences of nursing students and faculty during student's first medication administration in the clinical setting to gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with female student and faculty informants (N = 12). Using a phenomenological study, data were analyzed using van Manen's hermeneutic six-step research activity method.

Results

Five overarching themes were found: administrating medication, (un)preparedness for complexities in the clinical environment, transformative experience, overcoming fears, and reaping the rewards.

Conclusion

First-time medication experiences are greater than an exercise in skill proficiency and may be improved if faculty provides more structured learning experiences and take sufficient time for student preparation in relating medication knowledge to the skill, technology usage, and supporting students' attitudes toward nurse-patient interactions. These are essential aspects of the medication administration learning process as nursing programs shift toward competency-based education. Clinical faculty also need support in their role as educators and to be facilitated to find this time, considering their multiple responsibilities.