Undergraduate nursing students perceptions of accountability

Abstract

Accountability is an essential component to nursing practice. Defining perceptions of accountability in undergraduate nursing students is an inherent means of determining professional behaviors in nursing students. Dishonest behaviors by nursing students have been shown to preclude unethical behavior as a nurse. Therefore, it is imperative that faculty members facilitate development of accountability in students using effective teaching strategies. This study followed a phenomenological inquiry design. Data were obtained from personal interviews with twelve participants. The participants were students at a nursing program in west-central Illinois. Open-ended questions were used to facilitate descriptive statements from participants. Three scenarios with follow-up questions were presented to participants with the intent to determine actions and responses in situations where accountability had been compromised. It was found that accountability is defined as responsibility. This responsibility encompasses our profession, course work, families, patients, employers, as well as to ourselves. Effective communication is vital to accountability. Communication should manifest itself as professional and respectful, not insulting or attacking. Many younger students find communicating with patients difficult in relation to the technological advances of society. Family, peers, and generational differences impact levels of accountability both positively and negatively. Parental influence has a great impact on beliefs that are carried through to adulthood. Many participants indicate that familial influence has shaped many practices that they carry out in college such as organizational skills and timeliness. Peer influences may become more noticeable after the young adult moves away from home.ii Emphasis is often times placed on social life rather than academic commitments. Students often struggle with their value system in order to fit in with their classmates. Generational differences play a crucial role in accountability of students. Younger students often expect quick fixes to problems, often times craving instant gratification.