Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Senior Thesis

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Primary Major

Nursing

Thesis Advisor

Andrea Boyle, PhD, FNAP, ANP

Abstract

Background: Clinical training presents significant challenges for nursing students worldwide, particularly evident in developing countries like Cambodia, where these difficulties are intensified by a lack of training, resources, and health issues like stress and fatigue. Many students struggle without adequate guidance, forcing them to navigate complex clinical environments independently. These factors not only impact students’ confidence and academic performance, but also their health and well-being. Through this study, we can gain insight into nursing in a developing country that hasn’t been widely studied, contributing to global nursing research. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the health impact of clinical training on nursing students in Cambodia. Method: A qualitative exploratory descriptive approach will be used. Research will be conducted among 10 nursing students who are either in their final clinical rotations or have just completed them in a Cambodian Hospital. They will participate in semi-structured interviews that will last 45 to 60 minutes. A bilingual translator, proficient in both Khmer and English, will conduct the interview, record, and transcribe the data collected from the interview with the researcher who has some knowledge of Khmer present. The interviews will focus on the challenges faced during clinical experiences and their effects on the students’ health. Data Collection & Analysis: Participant responses will be recorded and translated to identify all the emerging patterns and themes using content analysis. Conclusion: We anticipate that the students have faced challenges that not only hinder academic performance, but also have significant implications for students’ physical and mental health due to stresses of the clinical environment and lack of support by the nurses and nursing preceptors. By understanding these issues, educators and policymakers can implement interventions to better support nursing students, ultimately improving the quality of patient care.

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

COinS