assessing nursing students’ need to improve nursing education

background and purpose: undergraduate education presents a period of transition and growth and requires the ability to adapt to many life changes. many applicants admitted to a nursing program, but high rates of attrition have been experienced. this study is an attempt to assess the nursing students’ need on their nursing education. methods: focus groups were used to investigate nursing student’s perceptions and views on nursing education. the sample consisted of 120 nursing students selected randomly. they were arranged in 12 groups of 10 students. the data analysis of recorded and observed data reached five major themes. results: five major themes emerged from data. the quality of clinical nursing instruction, confidence development in nursing practice and training, iranian social perception of nursing profession, professional socialization through role development and improved clinical expectation and improved study skills. conclusion: the result of this study helped to identify nursing students’ perception and determined their educational needs.