| Abstract [eng] |
Background. Clinical practice is an essential part of nursing education, during which students acquire practical skills and professional competencies and develop their professional identity. Experiences of clinical practice may be ambiguous and depend on various factors, such as relationships with nursing staff, the organization of clinical practice, and the learning environment. Despite the importance of clinical practice, students’ experiences in this area remain a relevant topic requiring further research. The aim of the study: to explore nursing students’ experiences during clinical practice. Objectives: 1) to identify the challenges students face during clinical practice; 2) to reveal students’ experiences related to the organization of clinical practice and their preparedness for professional activity; 3) to determine the characteristics of students’ professional identity formation during clinical practice. Methods and materials. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. The interview questions were developed based on an analysis of scientific literature. The study involved 8 nursing students studying at one higher education institution in Lithuania. Inductive thematic analysis was applied for data analysis. Results. The study results revealed that students’ clinical practice experiences are multidimensional and closely related to relationships with nursing staff, attitudes toward students, and the work environment. Supportive relationships and an inclusive environment were found to strengthen students’ motivation and self-confidence, whereas negative experiences, such as being ignored or excluded, raised doubts about their career choice. Students used various coping strategies that helped them adapt to the challenges experienced during clinical practice. It was also observed that the organization of clinical practice was not always coherent: information was sometimes delayed, a theory-practice gap was felt, and students did not always feel sufficiently prepared for practice. The study showed that clinical practice is an important part of professional identity formation, influencing students’ perception of the profession, motivation, self-confidence, and the development of professional values. Conclusions. Nursing students’ clinical practice experiences have a significant impact on their professional development, motivation, and preparedness for professional practice. Positive experiences strengthen professional identity and self-confidence, whereas negative experiences may reduce motivation and raise doubts about the choice of profession. Shortcomings in the organization of clinical practice and inconsistencies between theory and practice complicate the learning process; therefore, it is necessary to strengthen mentorship, improve the organization of clinical practice, and ensure more consistent integration of theory and practice. |
