Perceived Caring Attributes of Student Nurses and Satisfaction to Quality of Care Among Adults in the Medical – Surgical Units of Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Metro Cebu: Proposed Enhanced RLE Clinical Caring Practice Guidelines

Abstract

Nursing education plays a fundamental role in developing and strengthening nurses’ caring attributes, beginning during their formative years and continuing throughout professional practice. This study examined the relationship between nursing students perceived caring attributes and patient satisfaction with the quality of nursing care in medical-surgical units of selected tertiary hospitals in Metro Cebu. It aimed to provide a basis for enhancing the Related Learning Experience (RLE) Clinical Caring Practice Guidelines. This study utilized a descriptive-correlational research design involving 685 Level 3 and Level 4 nursing students from five Colleges of Nursing and their corresponding adult patients. Data were gathered using a researcher-developed instrument based on Sister Simone Roach’s six caring attributes, together with a modified Patient Satisfaction with Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ). Face-to-face survey interviews were conducted to collect the data, which were subsequently analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques to examine the relationships among the study variables.

Results showed that most student respondents were females aged 21–24, while most patient respondents were females aged 40–50. Nursing students rated themselves highly across all six caring attributes, particularly in demonstrating courtesy, respect, and moral responsibility. Patients likewise reported high levels of satisfaction, especially appreciating the kindness, respect, and attentiveness of student nurses. Positive perceptions of care were consistent across patient demographics. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between all six caring attributes and patient satisfaction, confirming the influence of caring behaviors on perceived care quality. The study concludes that nursing students’ caring attributes significantly contribute to patient satisfaction. Findings support the adoption of the proposed Enhanced RLE Clinical Caring Practice Guidelines. It is recommended to incorporate structured learning modules and simulations on carative behaviors, reinforce moral values in instruction and practice, establish patient feedback mechanisms, and strengthen faculty mentorship. Future research may examine the long-term impact of caring behaviors on patient outcomes across diverse clinical settings.