A comparative examination of nursing student perceptions of caring behaviors demonstrated by clinical faculty in associate degree and baccalaureate degree nursing programs

The National League for Nurses (2016) supports the importance of positive working relationships between clinical instructors and students. Through effective role modelling, the demonstration of caring behaviors by faculty members can be a key factor in influencing the learners' perception of the importance of caring behaviors in the profession. The purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental, comparative study was to compare student nurses' perceptions of clinical faculties' caring behaviors in associate degree programs to student nurses' perceptions of clinical faculties' caring behaviors in baccalaureate degree programs in Southern United States. The target population for the proposed study was students enrolled in baccalaureate and associate degree nursing programs in Kentucky. The researcher measured the independent and dependent variables using the Nursing Students' Perceptions of Instructor Caring (NSPIC) Instrument. The findings from the statistical analyses indicated that no difference exists in the student nurses' perceptions of clinical faculties' caring behaviors in associate degree programs to student nurses' perceptions of clinical faculties' caring behaviors in baccalaureate degree programs. The findings showed that generally, the participants had positive perceptions on clinical faculties' demonstration of compassionate behaviors. However, some components of caring behaviors exhibited a more positive perception compared to the others. Improving on the components of caring behaviors where the scores were comparatively lower (confidence and supportive learning climate) would facilitate the improvement of nurse education for the future generations and would promote student nurses staying in the healthcare field.