Professionalism is Priority for Macao Clinical Nursing Students: Focused Ethnography of Preceptors

Clinical preceptors are primary mentors as well as important role models for nursing students who are learning skills, knowledge and critical decision-making in clinical practice. However, little is known about how the preceptors perceive nursing students during their practicum in a Chinese society. The study used a focused ethnography to explore clinical preceptor perceptions of nursing student performance in professional attitudes, knowledge, theory, and nursing skills. The preceptors were from critical-care, surgical, and medical units of hospitals, health-care centers, and nursing homes. Twenty clinical preceptors participated in 30-60 minute interviews that were transcribed and analyzed. One principal theme that emerged from the study was the need for greater professionalism. The nursing professional demeanor of students theme includes subthemes of active behaviors, having ?heart? or attitude intent to learn to do the work of nursing, and demonstrating a professional image. If nursing students show these attributes during clinical experiences, it was believed that all other learning would take place easily. Academic educators and clinical preceptors are in the best position to foster student development and expressions of professionalism.