Learning Needs Assessment in Bachelor of Nursing: a Qualitative Research

Introduction: One of the most important components of educational technology is educational needs assessment. This study tried to answer the question of, what the real needs of bachelor nursing students based on their experience? and what themes the refer to as their learning needs. Method: A phenomenology research was performed to study the experience of students regarding their learning needs using Colaizzi model. Twenty five male and 20 female nursing students were selected by purposive sampling and divided to 4 small groups. The data gathering was done through group discussion. Also, a face to face interview with 4 nursing instructors was performed and the interviews were recorded with their permission. Data was transcribed as soon as possible and analyzed by thematic analysis method. Results: The learner needs assessment model was obtained based of 5 main themes including: Nursing instructor, curriculum planning, educational management, social and environmental facilities and learner. According to this, learner-based need assessment model was developed in which, in addition to five main themes, there were three variables of responsibility taking, recognizing nursing profession and acquiring mental tranquility which were effective on increasing the learners’ capabilities. Conclusion: Nursing instructor’s need assessment lies in the center of learning. Curriculum, powerful educational management and providing the needed facilities for teaching and learning can assure the quality of bachelor nursing educational program.