The Experiences of Children’s Nursing Students: Learning Urethral Catheterisation

Background This study aimed to explore the factors which influence student nurses’ ability to urethrally catheterise children in their care. This aimed to inform current pre-registration clinical skill training and education. Methodology A mixed method study using focus groups and written questionnaires. Results The students identified that being able to competently carry out urethral catheterisation was influenced by a lack of exposure to the clinical skill and a need for specific paediatric focused training. Evaluation of current catheterisation training highlighted that, even after training, only a small proportion of the student nurses (24%, n=12) felt confident to catheterise children in practice. Conclusion Student nurses infrequently witnessed paediatric urethral catheterisation in clinical placements which impacted on their ability to consolidate their learning and build competency in this clinical skill. Limited exposure to some clinical skills in practice, may mean that student nurses’ education should focus on skills they are more likely to witness in order to optimise their learning opportunities.