Attitudes of Nursing Students towards Paediatric Clinical Learning Experiences

Authors

• Mamatha S Pai, Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
• Sangeetha Priyadarshini, Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, IndiaFollow
• Anusuya Prabhu, Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
• Yashoda Satish, Department of Child Health Nursing, St. Ignatius Institute of Health Sciences, Honaavara, Karnataka, India
• Edlin G Mathias, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka State, India

Abstract

Background: Clinical practicum is an important component of pediatric nursing education that helps students integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Nursing students’ attitudes toward clinical learning influence their competence and overall learning experience. Factors such as supervision, clinical environment, and staff support play a major role in shaping these attitudes.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes of nursing students toward pediatric nursing practice during their clinical placements. Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 261 nursing students (175 pursuing a bachelor’s degree and 86 pursuing a diploma) from a College of Nursing in Manipal, India, between 2018 and 2020. A purposive sampling technique was employed. Data were collected after clinical postings using a 40-item Likert-scale questionnaire developed by the researchers. Scores of 80% or higher were classified as favorable. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

Findings: Among the participants, aged 18 to 26 years (84.3% female), 66.3% displayed favorable attitudes. Positive perspectives were linked to recognizing the value of nursing qualifications and the importance of continuous learning. Conversely, negative feedback arose from excessive assignments and inadequate supervision.

Conclusions: To foster positive student attitudes and close the gap between theory and practice, it is essential to enhance structured pediatric clinical experiences, improve supervision, provide effective orientation, and offer better student support.

Recommended Citation

Pai, Mamatha S; Priyadarshini, Sangeetha; Prabhu, Anusuya; Satish, Yashoda; and Mathias, Edlin G (2026) "Attitudes of Nursing Students towards Paediatric Clinical Learning Experiences," Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences: Vol. 12: Iss. 1, .
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55889/2582-7979.1375
Available at: https://impressions.manipal.edu/mjnhs/vol12/iss1/5