Assessment of Relationship between Senior Nursing Students’ Perception of Role Transition from Student to Nurse and Self-Confidence

Introduction: The process of transition from a nursing student role to a registered nurse includes the process between the completion of nursing education with the knowledge, skills, and values required for graduation and working as a nurse. This process is directly related to how both the student nursing roles and the registered nurse are perceived and to what extent the students feel confident in the transition between these roles, and therefore gives an integrated overview of the education and clinical areas in which both roles take place. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the relationship between senior nursing students’ perception of role transition from student to nurse and self-confidence levels. Method: This descriptive study was carried out with a total of 86 senior students in a nursing school in the 2015-2016 academic year. The data was collected using The Perception of Transition to Nursing Role Evaluation Form and Self Confidence Scale. Results: Role Preparation dimension assesses the students’ preparedness about role transition from student to nurse. Students stated to be ready for the transition to nursing role in the areas of course contents (79.1%), laboratory studies and clinical applications (75.6%), and theoretical and practical knowledge (64.0%). Students were also found to be sufficient about Role Competence dimension, which assess the perceptions about the ethical values into consideration (89.5%), conducting educational activities (88.4%) and working within team (86.0%). In the Organizational and Support dimension, it was determined that the students believed that the clinical units would help them to get orientated (75.6%) and would be supported by multidisciplinary health team (72.1%) and nurses (69.8%). The students who believed that they could accomplish any given task and considered their contribution as valuable were highly self-confident. Conclusion: To increase self-confidence in the process of transition to the role of registered nurse, it is recommended to provide the students opportunities for theoretical learning and skills development; to receive feedback from nursing students. It is suggested to create environments where students can work with the patients and multidisciplinary team members by considering ethical principles and feel valuable; to support the students by the health care team and to ensure cooperation between clinical staff and faculty