The influence of the Number of Students in Practice Groups about the Practice Beliefs, Knowledge, and Ability.

Abstract

Background: Professional practice in the nursing study program was conducted with groups of 10 to 12 students and we have had an excellent experience until 2018. While during the academic year 2019-2020 we were forced to form internship groups of 20 students, which has brought major problems in their progress and management. Methods: The study was conducted with nursing students in second and third year of study, in bachelor’s degree in "General Nursing". Results: There were major changes in reported knowledge of professional practice. There are substantial differences between years of study and between groups of 10 and 20 students in practice. Conclusions: Special attention should be paid to professional practice when designing teaching curricula. It should occupy about 35% of the total curriculum and the practice groups should be as small as possible.

Keywords

• bachelor nursing program
• nursing students
• practice groups
• professional practices