Teaching resilience and vulnerability to nursing students using films: A qualitative study

There is a limited tradition of using films in healthcare education, although it is constantly developing. Further, to understand complex concepts, such as vulnerability and resilience, is fundamental to improving nursing education.

This study aims to explore how a combined approach, using films and expert patients, could influence nursing education on the topics of vulnerability and resilience.

A qualitative descriptive study was carried out. Reflective writings of eight bache- lor's degree students during the first semester of the second year were analysed through a con- tent analysis methodology.

Two main themes emerged: 1) To face up to vulnerability through resilience expe- riences, with three sub-themes: active behaviours to cope with disability; carrying the heavy load of vulnerability; using resilience as a new beginning; 2) Students' difficulties and perspectives on caring vulnerable people, with two sub-themes: awkwardness of facing vulnerability; and walk together to overcome disability CONCLUSIONS: The use of films, enhanced by the lived experiences of expert patients, would improve the learning in the new generation of nursing students that are actually more involved in the use of innovative learning strategies. The adoption of new ways to teach complex con- cepts to bachelor degree nursing students is pivotal to simplify theories and to establish a posi- tive connection between nursing students and educators. The education system should consider that, only through emotionally strong educational strategies, is possible to foster an endu- ring emotional knowledge in students.