Clinical journals in the psychiatric setting : dominant themes and student-perceived efficacy
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Date
1996
Authors
Skinner, Elizabeth Anne
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1996
Abstract
Nursing students who are completing a practicum in the
psychiatric setting tend to encounter a variety of issues
and concerns which are rather unique to the psychiatric
experience. The marked reduction in psychomotor task
orientation found in other clinical areas and the sustained
focus on the client's psychosocial needs tends to generate
thoughts, feelings, opinions and attitudes which heretofore
may not have received in-depth consideration. At the same
time, because the clinical requirements of the setting may
be perceived by students as unusual or even threatening,
students generally require added support and guidance in
order to build confidence in their roles.
Using a modified grounded theory approach, this study
examines the dominant themes identified in the writing of
nursing students when they were asked to keep a daily
clinical journal while assigned to the psychiatric setting.
The purpose of the first part of the study was to determine
the issues that are uppermost in students' minds as they
progress through the clinical rotation. In the second part
of the study, students' perceptions of/attitudes toward the
exercise of journal writing were assessed by means of a
survey which was completed by all participating students at
the end of the clinical rotation.
Results of the study indicate that students focused on
five major issues or themes in their daily writing. Identification of the themes underscored the need for strong
instructor support and preparation of nursing students who
are about to enter a psychiatric practicum as well as
ongoing support and communication as the practicum
progresses. Student attitudes toward the effectiveness of
journal writing as a learning tool were found to be
generally favourable though students expressed some issues
and reservations which will warrant further consideration in
future planning of the journal writing experience.
Description
ix, 92 leaves ; 28 cm. --
Keywords
Psychiatric nursing -- Study and teaching , Nursing students -- Diaries , Nursing -- Study and teaching