Problems and Preparation Needs of Nursing Students Prior to Clinical Practicum in Caring for Critically Ill Medical Patients

Abstract

Objective: To explore the problems and preparation needs of nursing students prior to their clinical practicum in caring for critically ill adult and older adult patients with medical conditions. Methods: A qualitative descriptive research approach was used. Data were collected from 14 nursing students from the Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus, who met the selection criteria. The participants were in their 3th or 4th year for the academic year 2024 who had experience in a clinical practicum caring for critically ill medical patients. Data were collected through focus group discussions, consisting of 4–5 participants in each group, conducted in November 2025, and content analysis following Krippendorff's approach was applied. The trustworthiness of the qualitative study was established based on the criteria of Lincoln and Guba. Findings: Problems and obstacles in preparedness included four main points: 1) Learning materials were uninteresting and difficult to understand,                      2) Self-practice equipment differed from the materials and was insufficient, 3) There was limited time for preparation, and 4) Anxiety and lack of confidence in their abilities. Needs regarding the form of preparedness included four main points: 1) Need to be given a summary of essential knowledge for review, 2) Need to have accessible  animated learning materials, 3) Need to practice in simulated situations, and 4) Need to learn from the experiences of friends or seniors.  Conclusion: The study findings indicate that nursing students encounter challenges in preparing for clinical practice, including knowledge resources, training equipment, and psychological readiness, all within a limited time span. The obtained data can be used as a guideline for developing e-learning platforms and learning models that meet students' needs and effectively support preparation for clinical practicum in adult and gerontological nursing care of critically ill medical patients.