Thoughts on Associate Nurse Education as Perceived by Chief Academic Officers of Associate Nurse Training Institute

Abstract

Objective: The present study elucidates thoughts on associate nurse education as perceived by chief academic officers of associate nurse training Institute.

Method: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with three chief academic officers who had at least three years of experience working in associate nurse training institute.

Results: The analysis of 202 codes yielded 8 subcategories and 3 categories: difficulty in teaching students with diverse backgrounds; feeling caught between the desire to train field-ready assistant nurses and systemic constraints; and despite our efforts, it is difficult to secure a training location and full-time faculty.

Discussion: The findings suggest that chief academic officers face difficulties in educating students due to differences in the incoming students backgrounds and feel conflicted between their educational aspirations and systemic constraints. Therefore, it is necessary to continue discussions on reviewing the content of assistant nurse education to ensure graduates initiate their careers as associate nurses without difficulties.