Student Interpersonal Connection in Nursing Education: A Concept Analysis

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Social Sciences

Background:

• A sense of connection is fundamental in nursing education.
• Connection is linked to positive student outcomes.
• The study aimed to clarify student interpersonal connection in nursing education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and clarify the concept of student interpersonal connection within nursing education.

Main Methods:

• Walker and Avant's concept analysis method was employed.
• Searches across disciplines identified varied uses of 'connection'.
• Analysis included 24 nursing education manuscripts and two general nursing connection concept analyses.

Main Results:

• 'Connection' has diverse applications across disciplines.
• Student interpersonal connection in nursing education is defined as an evolving perception.
• This perception includes mutual valuing, closeness, comfort, and feeling cared for by others in the educational environment.

Conclusions:

• The concept of student interpersonal connection is dynamic and significant.
• Further scholarly investigation into this concept is warranted.
• Understanding connection is vital for enhancing nursing education.