Effect of intensive caring workshop on the caring attitudes and ability of nursing students: A pilot quasi-experimental study

IntroductionNursing students are vulnerable to losing their caring ideal during clinical placement. This project aimed to pilot an intensive workshop to develop caring attitudes and ability of junior nursing students.MethodsThis pilot project used a quasi-experimental design with 36 nursing students participating. Students in the experimental group participated in a workshop, which included theoretical input of caring concepts, role play and reflection. Caring attitudes and ability were evaluated by Caring Nurse-Patient Interaction Scale and Caring Ability Inventory, respectively.ResultsCaring ability of the workshop group was significantly higher than the control group after a four-week clinical placement. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in caring attitudes. Students who participated in the workshop showed a significant increase in perceived caring ability and caring attitudes in post-workshop. The increase remained significant in caring ability after the placement.DiscussionThe caring workshop strengthened the caring ability of nursing students. However, the effect on caring attitudes diminished after clinical placement. The result suggests that students socialised and experienced tension between the nursing ideal and practical experience. Cultivation of caring value requires persistent effort. A full study will be conducted for the development of professional values in nursing education.