To what extent does the oral shift report stimulate learning among nursing students? A qualitative study*.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe oral shift reporting and to discuss whether it stimulates learning for nursing students in clinical rotations in nursing homes. The goal was to investigate aspects that are important for oral shift report to be instructive for nursing students. BACKGROUND Nursing students' clinical learning experiences are important components of their professional development. Oral shift reporting serves several purposes and provides an opportunity for professional communication that supports both educational and social functions for nursing students during clinical practice. DESIGN A qualitative study. METHODS The study features both field work with field notes and qualitative research interviews was conducted in 2006. Twelve third-year nursing students and their supervising nurses (n = 11) participated in the study. RESULTS The nursing students described a range of experiences with oral shift reports. Some perceived little educational benefit from the oral shift reports, while others felt that both the form and the content of the oral shift reports were useful. The students' experiences corroborated the statements provided by the supervising nurses in the nursing homes. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that oral shift reporting may be an important learning opportunity. This is especially true when nursing students engage in professional discussions with their colleagues and superiors. Our findings suggest solutions to improve the learning value of the oral shift reporting process for nursing students. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Oral shift reporting can stimulate learning if it includes consultation and discussion between nursing students and the nursing staff.