Process of Students Acquiring Necessary Thinking for Clinical Judgment by Accumulating Experience in Clinical Nursing Practicums

Abstract

〔Objectives〕The present study aimed to clarify how nursing students acquire the necessary thinking for clinical judgment and what affects this acquiring process during clinical nursing practicums.

〔Methods〕I interviewed 26 students at 4 universities who were in their third year after completing a pediatric nursing practicum. All participants consented to research participation, and the resultant data were analyzed using the M-GTA （Modified Grounded Theory Approach）.

〔Result〕At first, the students underwent trial and error according to the framework previously learned and reflected on their experiences; then, they progressed to patient-centered thinking. Further, repeated reflection led to acquiring ideas that formed the foundation of clinical judgment in oneself. The students acquired Grabbing the way of finding care, Increase patient grasping skills, Find direction to effort in self, and Continued to perform repeated reflections. Meanwhile, there were situation in which the students’ will to think proactively was reduced during practical training.

〔Discussion〕For students to acquire a necessary thought process through experiences, they must engage in multiple reflections. Using reflections that integrate not only individual experiences but also a series of multiple practicums leads to acquiring a necessary way of thinking. Teachers must encourage students to continue reflecting.