Table 2 Themes and attributes of nursing internship program based on nursing interns preferences
Themes | Required attributes |
|---|---|
Training policies and schedule | • Flexible time schedule and block schedule • Training rounds include all specialties and sub specialties • Examination before and after each area to pass or fail • Control of time schedule by faculty • Equal chance for training in all areas for both male and female interns • Schedule the similar training units to be in order one by one in training plan |
Training content | • Objectives and goals for each training area • Theoretical background revision before each area • Clinical booklet with log book for each area • Specialized team from faculty members to provide training in each area • Application of nursing process model and nursing care plan in the training year • Implementation of competency-based education and problem-based learning • Scheduled monthly focus group sessions that include representatives from interns and alumnae to discuss evolving problems in training |
Training Environment | • Presence of lockers and dress room in clinical areas • Hot meals and snacks availability • Transportation support for remote areas and night shifts • Provision of one uniform and identification card for all interns • Detailed orientation to clinical settings before training • Provision of accessible accommodation or discount on the fees of accommodation for expatriates |
Interns support system | • Available line of communication 24 h with faculty members responsible for internship affairs • Transparency in discussing complaints of interns • Available grievance procedure without fear of retribution • Presence of policy to prevent exploitation of interns in training settings • Application of mentorship program |
Preceptorship | • Availability of preceptors at all times • Include preceptors from nursing alumnae in each unit in clinical settings • Chang the focus of preceptors from just attendance monitoring to on-job training and clinical teaching |
Incentives and motivation | • Achievement certificate for each training area • Salary increases with bonus at regular times • Monthly monetary reward for the best performers in each area • Specified health insurance package for nursing interns |
Autonomy | • Opportunity for membership in clinical settings' different committees • Formation of nursing internship advocacy committee • Adoption of peer review assessment and training strategy • Offering avenues for post graduates’ studies |