Year: 2025
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Background: Australian Registered Nurse (RN) students must complete a minimum of 800 h of clinical placement during their Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree.This research examines the impact of these placements, also known as workplace learning or work-integrated learning (WIL), on nursing students' preparedness for practice and their postgraduate career choices.The central research question is: 'How do clinical placements influence pathways to practice choices for nursing students with a focus on mental health?' Significance of Clinical Placements: Positive clinical placements can significantly shape students' perceptions of nursing and influence their choice of specialty upon graduation.Key factors contributing to a positive placement experience include the quality of staff-student relationships, particularly with mentors, the welcoming nature of the ward and the sense of being part of the team.A supportive learning environment that is both safe and professionally stimulating is crucial.Placement leaders who foster a positive ward culture and demonstrate a supportive attitude towards students significantly enhance the learning experience.Impact on Career Choices: Theoretical learning alone is insufficient for understanding the nursing role.Work-integrated learning, where students engage directly with patients under the guidance of healthcare professionals, is essential for skill development and optimal care delivery.These placements not only improve students' attitudes towards their client base but also potentially influence their career choices in specific specialties.Focus on Mental Health Nursing: With the growing need for mental healthcare in Australia, this research hypothesises that positive placements in mental health settings can prepare students to specialise in mental health nursing post-graduation.Exposure to mental health settings enhances skills, knowledge and attitudes towards mental health patients, but its influence on career choice remains underexplored.This research explores student perceptions of mental health nursing as a specialty pre and post placement and what impacts these perceptions.Conclusion: Quality clinical placements bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge, nursing skills and professional identity.Positive experiences enhance learning and career expectations, while negative experiences can impact resilience and attitudes towards specialised care areas.Support during placements is a major influence on students' attitudes towards specialty areas and their future career paths.13 | Improving care for mental health consumers under the mental health act 2016: Rights, advocacy and legal frameworks in Queensland
DOI: 10.1111/inm.70106
Authors: Australian Registered Nurse (RN) students must complete a minimum of 800 h of clinical placement during their Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree. This research examines the impact of these placements, also known as workplace learning or work-integrated learning (WIL), on nursing students’ preparedness for practice and their postgraduate career choices. The central research question is: ‘How do clinical placements influence pathways to practice choices for nursing students with a focus on mental health?’
Language: English
Subfield: Research and Theory
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4414085633