How Nurse Faculty in Saudi Arabia View Their Competencies in All Aspects of the Faculty Role: A Descriptive Study.

ABSTRACT: This study used a quantitative descriptive survey with a sample of 92 participants to assess perceived nurse faculty competency in their role at Saudi Arabian universities. Participants' perceptions overall were highly positive in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service competencies. Participants reported less competence in the areas of scholarship and service when they started in their role. Orientation and a mentor relationship with senior faculty were reported to aid in their transition to the faculty role. The findings of the study identify strategies to support the new nurse educator.

The relationship between perceived teacher autonomy support, perceived competence in learning, and academic performance among nursing students.

Perceived teacher autonomy support in nurse education remains understudied in the literature. This study examined the relationship between students' perceived teacher autonomy support, perceived competence in learning, and academic performance. A cross-sectional correlation descriptive design was used for 225 participants, undergraduate nursing students studying in Saudi Arabia. Perceived teacher autonomy support, perceived competence in learning, and academic performance were measured using the Learning Climate Questionnaire, Perceived Competence Scale for Learning, and student grade point average, respectively. The results revealed a high level of perceived teacher autonomy support and perceived competence in learning among the nursing students, with students in the internship year (final year) reporting higher perceived teacher autonomy support than students in other years. There was a strong positive correlation between perceived teacher autonomy support and perceived competence in learning. Further, students' perceived teacher autonomy support predicted their academic performance, indicating that those with high perceived teacher autonomy support were more likely to have a higher grade point average. Nurse educators must prioritize student autonomy support for better learning and performance, especially upon enrollment in a nursing program.

Do internship students do well in a clinical environment? A qualitative naturistic study.

Background: The internship year marks the culmination of the nursing program across all Saudi universities, bridging theoretical learning and practical application. The significance of the internship year lies in the application of skills acquired during the preceding years of study. Understanding interns' experiences, identifying influences, and sharing their recommendations for best practices become crucial. Objective: This study aimed to explore the experiences of internship students and address the challenges they encountered in a clinical environment. Methods: A qualitative naturistic descriptive approach was employed, involving 20 purposively selected participants from internship students in two regions in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected in January 2023 through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. A conventional content analysis approach was used for data analysis. Results: Four major themes were generated: 1) Transferring Shock, 2) Self-Learning, 3) Supportive Environments, and 4) Factors Facilitating Learning. Transferring Shock comprised two subthemes: feeling lost and feeling left out. Conclusion: Internship students acknowledged the utility of orientation and mentorship programs in advancing the practical skills of new nurses and enhancing patient safety. The findings also indicated that those with prior preparation and robust communication skills reported a positive experience. Consequently, integrating communication courses into the nursing education curriculum could be beneficial. Establishing a supportive learning environment for nursing interns is imperative to address challenges and ensure the delivery of safe and effective patient care.

The experience of novice nurse faculty in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the experience of novice nurse faculty members in Saudi Arabia and the influences on novice nurse graduates in their academic role. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study grounded in naturalistic inquiry was used to better understand the experience of novice faculty in Saudi Arabia. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 10 novice nurse faculty from nursing schools in Saudi universities. Data were collected until saturation was achieved. The researcher interviewed participants using a video conferencing platform, and all interviews were digitally audio-recorded. Content and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: There were four major themes: teaching on a peninsula, navigating in the dark, grappling with the faculty role, and working hard to create hope for a better tomorrow. CONCLUSIONS: The findings add to the literature regarding the novice faculty experience, self-confidence, and the strategies needed to enhance their teaching performance.