Abstract:

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the effect of the first clinical practice on the perception of nursing. Methods: The sample of this study is the 111 students of Ege University School of Nursing who first clinically practiced in 2004-2005 education year. For data collection, "Personal Identification Form" and "Perception of Nursing Professional Scale" PNPS is used. Scale has 2 sub-scale: "Professional Quality" and "Professional Statute". Personal Identification Form and PNPS were applied to the students twice, once at the end of the theoretical lessons before their clinical practice and at the end of the clinical practice. The percentages and the Paired-Samples T Test were used in the analysis of the data. Results: In this study, it was seen that PNPS total point average was 87.97±7.17 after the clinical practice while it was 86.36±10.93 before the clinical practice. There was no statistically meaningful difference between PNPS mean points of the students before and after the clinical practice p>0.05 . Before and after the clinical practice, although there was a statistically meaningful difference between the "Professional Quality" sub-scale mean points p0.05 Conclusion: In conclusion, it was assigned that the first clinical practice affects the perception of professional qualities of nursing. In this sense, in order to develop the students' perception of nursing profession positively, it can be recommended that the clinical training be meticulously planned and provided to the knowledgeable and experienced students under the quidance and counseling of role-model teaching staff

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