Factors influencing the supervision of nursing students administering medication : the registered nurse perspective

Administering medication is an important function of registered nurses. It is therefore necessary that nursing students develop knowledge and skill in this field. Given the propensity for, and negative consequences of, medication errors, it is essential that nursing students are properly supervised in this role. There is currently a paucity of research examining the practices of supervising medication administration by nursing students, particularly from the perspectives of registered nurses. The aim of this study was to explore the opinions and insights of registered nurses regarding the supervision of nursing students administering medication. Focus groups were conducted with registered nurses with experience of working with students in the clinical environment. Focus groups were transcribed verbatim and data analysis was conducted using the five stage framework approach. Four main themes were identified that reflected the participants’ views of the factors most strongly influencing the provision of supervision: communication, busyness, attitudes, and pressure to conform. The participants identified the importance of providing student supervision and suggested strategies for improvement, such as a closer working relationship between the clinical facilitator and the registered nurses providing supervision.