Attitude and Learning of Nursing Students in Forensic Clinic Observation

Abstract

             This study aimed to describe the attitudes and learning of nursing students in their observation at the Forensic clinic. Data were collected from 78 fourth year nursing students using survey and in-depth interviews between January to May, 2016. The attitudes of the students were analyzed using descriptive statistics while the learning experiences were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Trustworthiness was established by following Lincoln and Guba’s criteria.
            The results showed that the attitudes toward learning at Forensic clinic are classified into four aspects namely: 1) Perception of the attribute in forensics’ nurses (M= 4.63, SD= 0.09), 2) Sense of value of the learning experience (M= 4.63, SD= 0.10) were at a very good level, 3) Perception of forensic nurses’ roles (M= 4.26, SD= 0.10) was at a good level, 4) Feelings of taking care the victims (M= 3.43, SD= 0.57) was at a moderate level. On the other hand, the experience at the forensic clinic were categorized into 7 phenomenon namely, 1) Linking the theory into practice; 2) Understanding the characteristics and skills needed for forensic nurse practitioners; 3) Feeling that it was a great experience; 4) Learning to spend more
time with family; 5) Learning how to prepare for death; 6) Reflecting on myself and the realities of life; and 7) Learning to care for the patients with the heart.
             The observation at forensic clinic is a good learning activity to link the gap between theory and practice and development of the moral ethics among nursing student.