Needs of nursing students caring for carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae patients

Abstract

Introduction and background: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) refers to gram-negative bacteria that are resistant to Carbapenem antibiotics and is currently an emerging threat to healthcare facilities. Problem statement: Due to contact isolation protocols, time constraints and high workload, facilitators may show reluctance to support and guide nursing students caring for CRE patients. Nursing students become stressed and prone to break isolation precautions when expected to nurse these patients without adequate support. If the learning and facilitation needs of nursing students in these circumstances are identified, clinical facilitators will be able to address these needs better. Aim: To explore the nursing student’s experience and needs while caring for a CRE patient. Design: The descriptive qualitative research design was used. Method: Semi-structured interviews and digital audio recordings were used to collect data for this study. Population: Full-time first-year bridging programme (R683) nursing students who were registered during the June 2016 intake and have been enrolled at a private nursing education institution. Sample: Non-probability, purpose/judgmental sampling method was used. Data analysis: The conventional approach was used. Setting: Private nursing education institution. Results: Considering the results from the semi-structured interviews, the researcher was able to identify the nursing students’ desires and recognised that the educational programme did not meet the nursing student expectations. Therefore the educational

team should ensure that nursing students are placed in a clinical environment that is conducive to learning and develop a curriculum that reinforces infection prevention principles throughout the academic year to ensure applied competency by the nursing students. Furthermore, nursing students should receive emotional support to address their emotional and safety desires.