Readiness to Practice in Generation Z Nursing Students

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Generation Z nursing students born after 1995 have been described as true digital natives with a short attention span and tendencies toward boredom. The purpose of this pilot study is to compare readiness for practice and anxiety and self-confidence during decision making between Generation Z students who completed a 4-week immersive clinical and those in a 14-week immersive clinical. METHOD: A convenience sample (n = 46) of Generation Z graduating baccalaureate nursing students was surveyed. RESULTS: Independent samples t tests were conducted, with no statistical differences between groups on any measures. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that extended periods of time in an immersive clinical do not influence readiness to practice or anxiety and self-confidence during decision making in the next generation of students. [J Nurs Educ. 2019;58(10):604-606.].