The Effectiveness of a Clinical Orientation Program in Enhancing Nursing Students’ Knowledge, Competency and Readiness for Intravenous Therapy at the University of Perpetual Help-Biñan, Laguna

Abstract

Background: Effective performance of intravenous therapy requires strong clinical knowledge, competency, and readiness among nursing students. Structured Clinical Orientation Programs may help bridge the gap between theoretical instruction and clinical practice. Aims: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Clinical Orientation Program in improving nursing students’ knowledge, competency, and readiness for intravenous (IV) therapy. Study Design: A quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design was employed. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna – Biñan during the academic year 2025–2026. Methodology: Thirty fourth-year nursing students were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using three validated instruments: a 30-item Knowledge Test, a Competency Checklist, and a Readiness Scale. Pretest assessments were conducted prior to the intervention, followed by posttest assessments after program implementation. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, paired t-test, and Cohen’s d effect size at a 0.05 level of significance. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed across all variables. Knowledge scores increased from 7.40 (SD = 1.868) to 22.17 (SD = 2.035), t(29) = -26.84, p < .001. Competency improved from 2.05 (SD = 0.355) to 3.43 (SD = 0.217), t(29) = -16.20, p < .001, while readiness increased from 2.02 (SD = 0.403) to 3.49 (SD = 0.215), t(29) = -15.20, p < .001. Effect sizes were interpreted using Cohen’s guidelines and computed using pooled standard deviation to determine the magnitude of the intervention effect (Lakens, 2021). Conclusion: The Clinical Orientation Program significantly improved nursing students’ knowledge, competency, and readiness in intravenous therapy. The findings support the integration of structured, procedure-specific clinical orientation programs in nursing curricula to enhance students’ clinical preparedness, competency, and patient safety practices.