RESUMO
PURPOSE: This study was done in order to identify the effectiveness of open laboratory self-directed practice on knowledge, self-confidence, skill competency, and satisfaction of intravenous infusion in nursing students. METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental study using a non-equivalent control pre-posttest design. The participants were 32 students comprising an experimental group and 30 students comprising a control group. The experimental group was allowed to perform open laboratory self-directed practice only. Pretest and posttest was performed through questionnaires of knowledge and self-confidence, and competence and satisfaction were assessed using checklists at posttest. RESULTS: The score of Knowledge in the posttest showed no significant difference between both groups (F=1.28, p=.290), and those of self-confidence (F=3.87, p=.014) and competency (F=9.55, p<.001) of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group. CONCLUSION: Open laboratory self-directed practice was effective in improving nursing students' self-confidence and competency of intravenous infusion. Therefore, students should be encouraged to actively participate in open laboratory self-directed practice and the effective strategies should be developed.