Evaluation of student nurses' perception of preparedness for oral medication administration in clinical practice: A collaborative study

Background: Attainment of oral medication administration skills and competency for student nurses is challenging and medication errors are common. The ability of nurses to master a clinical skill is dependent upon educational instruction and practice. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate nursing students' perception of preparedness for oral medication administration in two practice environments and determine possible relationship between student demographics and their perceived preparedness for oral medication administration. Design: This was a cross sectional, exploratory study. Participants: Eighty-eight second year students from a baccalaureate nursing course from two metropolitan Australian tertiary institutions participated. Methods: Student nurses' perception of preparedness for oral medication administration was measured via a self-administered, adapted, and validated questionnaire. Results: The overall mean Total Preparedness Score was 86.2 (range 71-102). There was no significant difference for perceived total preparedness to administer oral medications between the two facilities. Whilst there was no significant relationship established between student demographics and their perceived preparedness to administer oral medications, four single questions related to clinical practice were shown to be significant. Conclusion: Low fidelity simulated teaching environments that incorporate time management and post medication situations, may improve student nurses' perceived preparedness for oral medication administration. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.