The Journey: Clinical Experiences of Nurse Learners

Abstract

Nurse learners’ experiences of their clinical practice provide greater insight to develop an effective clinical teaching strategy in nursing education. The main goal of this study was to investigate nurse learners’ experiences about their clinical nurse practice. Clinical practice is a significant and essential part of nurse learners’ education.

The qualitative study was conducted using descriptive phenomenology design in gathering and analysing information about clinical experiences of nurse learners in of Benguet State University nurse learners’ experiences regarding clinical learning were explored. Ten (10) participants were selected through inclusion criteria. Data were collected through focus group discussion and face-to-face interview and were analysed using the (7) steps of Colaizzi’s method of analysis for phenomenological research. Analysis of their feelings as nurse learners revealed that majority felt “excited,” ”happy” and “nervous.” Most of them reported various anxiety producing factors during clinical practice that affect and influence their clinical performance such as clinical facilitators, peers, staff nurses and schedule among others. Four (4) themes emerged as important factors in clinical experience, namely “dreaming,” “becoming,” “falling,” and “rising”. Dreaming describes how the burse learners chose nursing as their degree. There are two sub-themes which are dreaming my own and molding others. (2) Becoming tackles in the initial experiences, observations, and understanding of the things inside the field. There are three sub-themes including becoming a nurse, feelings, and redefining my life there are two subcategories which are change of attitude and motivation to continue. (3) Falling discusses the hardships and struggles of nurse learner. There are two subthemes which include shattering the ideals and breaking the spirit. The latter has four subcategories which include instructor effect, hospital effect, family effect, and language effect. (4) Rising which discusses the positivity with unpredictable events. The learning from these experiences is used to eliminate negative feelings, thoughts and behaviour. Sub-themes include cherishing the moments, finding a common ground, soaking it all in, and defying the odds. Findings of this study have significant implication in nursing education. Research, the service, and administration. This study is benefited to the College of Nursing, Clinical Facilitators, and patients. Nurse learners need to receive preclinical training for improvement of their performance. A clinical facilitator must be patient, friendly, understanding, and approachable.