What are the views of adult nursing students?
Students generally feel that the course is well-structured, with a wide range of topics covered, and appreciate the support from lecturers, particularly in clinical skills sessions. However, some students express concerns about the variability in teaching quality, with some lecturers being more supportive than others.
Placement experiences are a significant aspect of the course, and while many students find them valuable for skill development and confidence building, some report difficulties in accessing learning opportunities due to ward staff attitudes or placement settings. Students also highlight issues with work-life balance during full-time placements, which can impact their ability to work part-time jobs to support themselves.
Feedback is another concern, with some students feeling that it lacks variety, depth, and constructive guidance, particularly when they are not given specific examples of what they need to improve on. Some also express frustration with the lack of clear communication and inconsistent marking practices among staff.
Many students appreciate support services within the course, such as self-care initiatives, but some feel that more individualised support would be beneficial, particularly in managing stress and workload pressures. Additionally, there are mixed views about using technology-enhanced learning platforms, with some experiencing technical issues and others finding them helpful for accessing course materials.
Overall, while students value the comprehensive nature of the course and appreciate many aspects of their educational experience, they identify areas for improvement related to teaching consistency, placement experiences, feedback quality, support services, and technological infrastructure.