Investigation of the relationship between nursing students' knowledge level of paediatric emergency practices and paediatric comfort and worry

Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between nursing students' knowledge level of paediatric emergency practices and their clinical comfort and worry status. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was used. Data was collected using the "Personal Information Form," "Paediatric Nursing Student Clinical Comfort and Worry Assessment Tool," and "Paediatric Emergency Practices Information Questionnaire. Results: The nursing students' knowledge level of paediatric emergency practices was good (14.76 +/- 2.67/2-20). Their level of worry in paediatric services was above average (14.14 +/- 4.8/5-25), while their paediatric clinical comfort level was at an average level (17.61 +/- 3.72/10-30). It was found that as the nursing students' knowledge level of paediatric emergency practices increased, their comfort in paediatric clinics improved (r = 0.11, p = 0.003), and their worry levels decreased (r = -0.382, p < 0.001). Variables such as knowing the emergency number to call in case of poisoning and taking the child to a health facility after an electric shock contributed to the students' clinical comfort and worry (p < 0.005). Conclusion: The students' worry levels in paediatric clinics were above average, while their paediatric clinical comfort levels were average. As students' knowledge of paediatric emergency practices increased, they felt more comfortable in the clinical setting and had lower worry levels. Implication of practice: Providing nursing students with theoretical and practical training centred on paediatric emergency situations before their clinical rotations are believed to enhance their comfort in paediatric clinics. (c) 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.