Development of a protocol for guidance in the pediatric nursing practicum in South Korea: a methodology study

PURPOSE: Practical training in pediatric nursing gives students the opportunity to apply nursing knowledge to children in a realistic clinical context. Clinical practice faculty (CPF) and clinical nursing instructor (CNI) have played important roles in the pediatric nursing practicum. This study was conducted to develop a protocol to guide clinical practicum in pediatric nursing. METHODS: A service design methodology was employed between August 2020 and May 2021 at four universities and four hospitals in South Korea. The participants were five CPFs, five CNIs, five nursing college graduates, and 60 nursing students. The service design process had four phases: discovery, definition, development, and delivery. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and observations. The data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The participants reported needs for providing concrete guidance and explanation, nursing practice experience, and a link between school and the clinical field. A protocol was developed to fulfill the participants' needs. The protocol comprised detailed information, teaching methodology, and partnership to guide students in the pediatric nursing practicum. CONCLUSION: The protocol developed in this study can be used to provide guidance for students' clinical practice in the field of pediatric nursing.