New nurse's clinical learning experience in the critical coronary care units (CCCU)

Learning is the core of human identity showing social participation. Socio-cultural factors have a great impact on learning experiences of new nurses in critical coronary care units (CCCU). The aim of this study was to explore new nurse's clinical learning experience in the critical coronary care units" (CCCU). In this qualitative study we used purposive sampling with maximum variation. We interviewed 18 participants with open-ended questions from 2012 to 2013 in Semnan, Iran. The main method of data collection was semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded digitally and immediately transcribed and then analyzed by conventional content analysis method. Based on the data analysis, we extracted four themes which indicated clinical learning experiences of new nurses in the CCCU. The themes included "challenges of basic education", "self-directed learning", "equal protection" and "effective supervision". These themes were influenced by the environment and the nurse's role in clinical learning experiences. The main theme was "situational learning". The new nurses learned clinical experience by combining themes in CCCU. The results of this study are valuable for the recognition of learning strategy in the area of knowledge, attitude and practice of new nurses in CCCU. Based on the results of this study, nurse managers, supervisors and trainers can improve nursing education by motivation of personal learning; creating supportive environments and enhanced supervision to provide better clinical learning for new nurses entering CCCU.