Nursing students' experiences care

This study aimed to explore nursing students' experiences of caring for older people in practice and to examine the factors that affected their perceptions of working with these patients.

A qualitative research design was used and data were collected by focus groups.

Participants entered clinical placements early in their course with clear caring values, which formed a central part of their decision to enter nursing. However, early encounters and observations in the practice setting challenged these ideals.

Positive learning environments should be developed that enable students to retain clear caring values and to realise the potential of caring practice while reconciling its demands.