First Advisor

Copeland, Darcy

Document Type

Dissertation

Date Created

5-2019

Department

College of Natural and Health Sciences, Nursing, Nursing Student Work

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe acute care nurses’ attitudes toward nursing students with disabilities, how these attitudes were impacted by the acute care culture, and what significance they had for behavior. No studies have been done within the United States in relation to attitudes acute care nurses hold toward nursing students with disabilities practicing and learning in their clinical settings. In this focused ethnography, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 acute care nurses who had at least two years’ experience precepting nursing students. While exploring acute care nurses’ attitudes toward nursing students with disabilities, six themes emerged: Safety, Barriers, Otherness, Communicating to Meet Needs, Disclosure, and Student Versus Colleague. Data analysis revealed that although there were positive feelings about hosting a nursing student with a disability, thoughts and behavioral intentions were quite negative. It is imperative that the culture of nursing be changed to a more inclusive social model to ensure success for nursing students with disabilities. This need has implications for nursing education, practice, and further research.

Extent

144 pages

Local Identifiers

Calloway_unco_0161D_10710

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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