Conflict, confusion and inconsistencies: Pre-registration nursing students' perceptions and experiences of speaking up for patient safety

Author(s)
Fagan, Anthea
Lea, Jackie
Parker, Vicki
Publication Date
2021-01
Abstract
<p>There is growing evidence demonstrating that nursing students encounter unsafe and poor clinical practice when on clinical placement. The impact on nursing students remains relatively under-explored, especially in the Australian context. This two-phased qualitative study used Interpretive Description to explore 53 pre-registration nursing students' perceptions and experiences of speaking up for patient safety. Results of the study identified students believe speaking up is the right thing to do, and their professional responsibility. The study results add to previous research by describing the dissonance students experience due to the inconsistencies between what is taught at university and performed in practice. Student's distress arises when observing nurses taking short cuts, justifying such actions and making excuses about poor practice. Students report experiencing dissonance, bewilderment and confusion and at times, anger when observing poor practice. The clinical environment culture influences students' decisions to speak up or remain silent. Understanding students' perceptions and responses will promote awareness and discussion essential to the future development of curricula and clinical support strategies that will enable students to speak up.</p>
Citation
Nursing Inquiry, 28(1), p. 1-11
ISSN
1440-1800
1320-7881
Pubmed ID
32881137
Link
Language
en
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Rights
CC0 1.0 Universal
Title
Conflict, confusion and inconsistencies: Pre-registration nursing students' perceptions and experiences of speaking up for patient safety
Type of document
Journal Article
Entity Type
Publication

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