Enhancing Self-Assessment and Reflection in Nursing Education: Insights from a Qualitative Study on Students’ Professional Development in Clinical Practice

Abstract

This study emphasizes the pivotal role of self-assessment in the professional development of nursing students, illustrating how educators can facilitate this process. The findings indicate that although clinical practice is essential for connecting theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the incorporation of reflective practice and structured guidance from professors and supervisors is equally important. The data comprises 30 in-depth interviews with students, professors, and supervisors. Analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis (2022). The study revealed that nursing students found self-assessment and reflection on their professional growth during clinical placements to be crucial for developing nursing skills. The results suggest that students who prepared for the mid-term assessment gained more from the assessment than their unprepared peers. Professors and supervisors often saw efficiency as a key nursing competency for students. This highlights a mismatch between supervisors’ and professors’ expectations and the time required for students to engage in meaningful learning processes. However, to support students in self-assessment, professors and supervisors facilitated learning by guiding them to recognize educational opportunities and activities within the clinical setting.

Keywords: self-assessment, professional growth, nursing profession, nursing students, clinical practice, qualitative research