FACTORS INFLUENCING APPLICATION OF CLINICAL INSTRUCTION TO PRACTICAL NURSING AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN MADONNA UNIVERSITY ELELE, RIVERS STATE.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to identify factors that affect the application of clinical instruction to practical nursing among nursing students in Department of Nursing Sciences, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State. Three research questions led the study and the research design used was the descriptive cross-sectional survey method. A validated questionnaire with 32 items was used for data collection. The questionnaire data were analyzed descriptively and the result of the study showed that the Nursing department has laboratories and practical libraries. Students regularly participate in clinical trials; Departmental nurses participated in the application of clinical teaching by students. The result further showed that there were inadequate equipment in the clinical areas; teachers were not involved in clinical supervision of students; teachers were not able to finish teaching their courses; non participation of students in planning of their programme and also supervisors’ were not able to give proper supervision to the students. Based on the findings, it is therefore concluded that administrative, training/supervisory and students’ factors that can adversely the affect application of clinical instruction to practical nursing among nursing students in Madonna University and is recommended that adequate experienced and qualified nurse educators and clinical instructors should be employed and maintained by the competent authorities. Proper supervision of students by experienced lecturers, nurses and clinical supervisors should be advocated. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria should provide a clearly written standard guidelines and policies on application of clinical instruction of nursing students to ensure proper acquisition of nursing skills which will be inferred in nursing practice.