Patient safety challenges faced by nursing students during clinical rotations: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Ensuring patient safety is a crucial aspect of high-quality healthcare. Nursing students encounter intricate healthcare settings during clinical rotations, where various challenges can jeopardize patient safety. Grasping these difficulties is vital for enhancing clinical education and care results. To investigate the patient safety issues encountered by nursing students during their clinical rotations in Multan, Pakistan

Methods: A qualitative exploratory research approach was employed. Twelve nursing students were chosen via purposive sampling from tertiary care hospitals and associated institutions in Multan. Data were gathered through semi-structured, comprehensive interviews. Every interview took 30–45 minutes and was recorded with audio permission. Data were transcribed word-for-word and examined with thematic analysis to uncover codes, subthemes, and themes.

Results: Four key themes were identified: (1) gaps in clinical competence and skill inadequacy, encompassing a shortage of practical abilities and the disparity between theory and practice; (2) insufficient oversight and assistance, underscoring ineffective mentorship and unfavorable attitudes from staff; (3) problems with communication and collaboration, including reluctance to seek clarification and ambiguous guidance; and (4) challenges related to workload, stress, and safety culture, such as excessive workloads, stress, and apprehension regarding reporting mistakes. These elements together led to a heightened risk of jeopardized patient safety in clinical practice.

Conclusion: Nursing students encounter complex patient safety issues shaped by personal, educational, and institutional elements. Fortifying clinical oversight, boosting communication, refining skill-based education, and fostering a supportive, non-punitive atmosphere are crucial to guarantee secure clinical learning and patient care results.