Exploring the learning experiences of nursing students with dyslexia

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Learning Disabilities
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Dyslexia presents unique challenges for nursing students during clinical placements.
• Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing effective support strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the clinical learning experiences of nursing students with dyslexia.
• To identify methods for enhancing support systems within practical training environments.

Main Methods:

• A phenomenological lifeworld approach was employed.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve student nurses (six with dyslexia, six without).
• Data analysis focused on lived experiences and comparative insights.

Main Results:

• Key themes included the value of work-based learning, the critical role of clinical mentors, and the necessity of advocacy.
• Students with dyslexia shared effective coping mechanisms.
• Recommendations for improved practice support were generated by all participants.

Conclusions:

• Sharing placement experiences outside the clinical setting can be beneficial for nursing students with dyslexia.
• Dedicated support from clinical mentors and university representatives knowledgeable about dyslexia is recommended.