The experience of nursing students visiting older adults living in rural communities

The expanding population of older adults living in rural communities presents a rich opportunity for new clinical experiences for nursing students. The purpose of this research study was to explore the experiences of nursing students working with older adults in rural communities, the experiences of older adults, and the development of relationships. The sample included 96 nursing students and 16 older adults. Using the phenomenological method, we solicited comprehensive descriptions through open-ended questions. The following themes describe the experience of nursing students and the older adults they visited in their homes: (a) Welcoming Presence, (b) Developing a Trusting Relationship, (c) Spending Time Together, (d) Sharing and Listening to Stories, (e) Learning about Growing Old, and (f) Growing Nursing Students. Students believed that this experience was a vital component of their nursing education and it taught them how to develop a therapeutic relationship, learn how to listen, and how to be comfortable with themselves in the role of the student nurse. Students felt that the home setting was a safe environment to learn how to listen, carry out assessments, and receive feedback from older adults. This clinical experience can be easily implemented in a nursing curriculum to better prepare nurses for the challenges of the future.