Lived Experiences of Graduating Nursing Students: A Phenomenological Focus Group Study

Abstract

Student nurses enter nursing as a novice with limited understanding of the profession; they learn skills in their four years. For all of them nursing education is a life transforming. The researchers were keen to understand the experiences associated with this transformation. Phenomenological focus group techniques with audio- and video-taped interviews were used to collect the data. The early counselling and guidance, constant mentoring by the same teachers in theory and practical learning and constant positive motivation, a generous amount of exposure to extra-curricular activities and strict student status have contributed to their positive outlook for future professional nursing. This study provides insights in understanding the experiences of student nurses and helps the nursing institutes to enhance positive experiences in their students.