Administration of medicine: student’s experience in their first practice period - DOI: 10.4025/actascihealthsci.v25i1.2246

Abstract

Preparing the student to develop the technique of drug administration competently is one of the most important concerns of Nursing Schools. Students’ first contact with this technique occurs during the study of the discipline Fundamentals of Nursing (Fundamentos de Enfermagem). In this moment precisely, the students are highly responsible as they practice their profession for the first time. Current research aims at investigating how students from Nursing School practiced drug administration in their first practice period. Thirty-three students were interviewed after the end of the practice period. Results showed that students were highly responsible regarding to drug administration. Positive aspects of experience refer to the development of technical ability, self-reliability, responsibility and knowledge on drugs and their effects. Negative aspects amount to short time in practicing, psychological tension, stress, difficulties in associating pharmacological knowledge with technique, and accident risks.