Experiences of Nursing/Midwifery Students on Clinical Learning Processes in a Training Hospital in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to explore the nursing/midwifery students’ experiences of clinical learning processes in Kebbi State Training hospital. Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted using a phenomenological approach. The study population included the second and third-year nursing/midwifery students of the School of Nursing and Midwifery Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria. Twenty students were purposively selected to participate in individual interviews for data collection. Results: The results were characterized by mixed reactions and experiences from different respondents. The emerged themes were students’ supervision, students’ encouragement, communication with students, respecting students, students’ learning support, and ethical practice. The respondents’ experiences mainly were both positive and negative. Conclusions: Nurses and midwives need to put more effort into clinical learning and training of nursing and midwifery students for professional development. Clinical teaching and professionalism should be part of staff nurses' and midwives’ conferences and mandatory continuous development programs.