Clinical Excursions for Prelicensure Nursing Students

The first day of clinical for prelicensure nursing students is often filled with excitement and anxiety and fear. Clinical experiences have been identified by nursing students as one of the most anxiety-producing components of the nursing program. Students often worry about being unprepared for clinical practice and unable to perform and are intimidated by the staff nurses and the environment. Clinical units are sometimes unsupportive environments for nursing students as well. Nurse educators have attempted to decrease the anxiety through a variety of strategies. To make the most of valuable clinical time, the clinical excursion was created. The clinical excursion was designed to expose students to the clinical setting prior to the beginning of their clinical course, increase their comfort and acclimation to the clinical setting, and provide opportunities to utilize the skills and knowledge gained so far in class and skills laboratory. Students' confidence and preparedness for their first full clinical rotation improved greatly with the introduction of clinical excursions.

Duke Scholars

Author Beth Cusatis Phillips School of Nursing