Student nurses’ competence in sexual health care: A literature review

Aims and objectives To explore the way in which sexual health care is perceived and experienced by students in clinical practice. Background Student nurses understand the need to learn about sexual health but report a variety of learning needs and experience challenges acquiring skills to deliver such care in part due to varied clinical experience. Furthermore, there is a paucity of data exploring clinical competence of sexual health care among student nurses. Design and methods A literature review of the published literature was conducted following a search of online databases. Articles were selected for analysis according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eight articles were critically appraised and thematically analysed. Results The following themes were identified: student nurses report having a positive attitude towards sexual health care; however, many felt uncomfortable about addressing sexual health and are reluctant to initiate a conversation; many student nurses lack knowledge about sexual health; they also lack role models at university and on clinical placement. Student nurse caregiving in relation to sexual health was also noted. Conclusions It is encouraging that student nurses have some knowledge, but their knowledge assessed is narrow. Their attitude is generally positive although many feel uncomfortable discussing issues of sexual health and sexuality. Very few student nurses report delivering sexual health care. There is a lack of positive role models both on clinical placement and at university. Relevance to clinical practice The reasons behind a lack of sexual health care delivery by student nurses should be understood. Student nurses should be supported to assess patient need and provide holistic care. Positive role models should be established in clinical and educational environments along with a focus on wider sexual health knowledge and skills.