Application of biophysical principles in nursing by student nurses

Abstract

Summary provided by author:

For the purpose of collecting data, questionnaires and checklists were used as instruments. The student nurses completed self-administered questionnaires in the presence of the researcher, while a checklist was used to observe student nurses while executing nursing activities

The total population comprised 54 student nurses out of which 44 (81. 4 percent)) responded, while 32 (59. 2 percent) were observed and checklists completed. Student nurses working in the targeted wards: medical, surgical, orthopaedic, paediatric, gynecological and maternity were observed

The questionnaires were delivered by the researcher at the wards and clinics. Accidental sampling was used in this study. The findings indicated that student nurses do apply biophysics, although not to its full extent by all student nurses. Application was found to be inadequate as not all the biophysical principles were always explained, indicated or understood

The findings also revealed that student nurses do not have adequate knowledge to implement all the activities they should with regard to the integration of biophysics in nursing activities. The findings therefore, indicated a need for more appropriate clinical teaching methods enhancing student nurses abilities to link theory with practice in biophysics