Clinical experiences of perioperative nursing Masters students in selected Rwandan referral hospitals

Abstract

Background: Clinical experiences allow nursing students to apply theoretical knowledge into practice hence socialize with their future professional roles and responsibilities. This is a report of observations made by thirteen perioperative nursing students in the first cohort of Master of sciences in nursing training program during their practicum in selected Rwandan Referral Hospitals aimed at improving students’ learning outcomes in future.

Methods: Teams of four to five students were allocated to the operating theatres in three selected referral and teaching hospitals in Rwanda for thirteen weeks. At the end of their clinical placement, they wrote clinical reports that highlighted their observations informed by theoretical knowledge of perioperative nursing care using a structure, process and outcome format. These reports focused on the strengths and challenges observed.

Results: Students were able to translate theoretical knowledge gained in class to clinical practice. Although the hospitals provided good learning opportunities in relation to the number of patients attended to and the various surgical treatments provided, the existing infrastructures, and care delivery systems, still need improvement.

Conclusions: Hospital structure and processes helped the students to achieve their clinical learning objectives. Fostering strong collaboration of Universities, Hospitals and Ministry of Health will promote specialization in the emerging field of perioperative nursing in Rwanda.

Keywords: clinical experiences, masters program students training, perioperative nursing, referral hospital