Final year student nurses' readiness for practice

Background / Aims: Nursing students require access to relevant, quality clinical education and clinical placements to feel prepared, confident and ready to competently care for patients in a practice environment. This study aimed to examine factors that influence nursing students’ perceptions of preparedness for practice and to ascertain their level of confidence performing key practice skills independently. Methods: A cross-sectional study design. All third-year nursing students at a regional Australian university were emailed a link to an online version of the Casey-Fink Readiness for Practice Survey following their final practicum. Demographic data and survey items were summarised using descriptive statistics. Analysis of variance was performed to compare results with demographic data. Correlation analysis was performed to test relationships between continuous variables. Results: Overall, students reported a high level of confidence and preparedness for clinical practice. The areas in which students lacked confidence were: managing multiple patient care assignments, independently performing venepuncture and assisting with intubation. The students did not feel simulation experiences adequately prepared them for clinical practice. The areas identified to enhance confidence and readiness for practice include: expanded practicum placements, more simulation or clinical skills practice, smaller clinical skills class sizes and the use of upto- date equipment during training. Conclusion: The results highlighted that students perceive placements and clinical skills practice as keys for enhancing readiness for practice and to facilitate a successful transition into professional nursing practice. The marked difference in hours of clinical practicum between Australian students and US students may explain differences in confidence levels upon graduation.