Graduated nurses' experiences with baccalaureate thesis writing: A qualitative study

This study explores the perceptions of newly graduated nurses regarding the baccalaureate thesis (BT) writing process. A qualitative approach with content analysis was adopted. Thirteen newly graduated nurses participated in the study. The inclusion criterion was having completed the BT during their university education as nurses within 3 years of the study. Information was obtained through semistructured interviews. Data collection began in June 2018 and ended in March 2019, once saturation of information was reached. Three major categories were identified: the beginning of the process, the advantages of Baccalaureate thesis writing, and the teacher's role. The participants expressed that their training focused on a synthetic and particular type of writing that is necessary for clinical scenarios but not suitable for scientific academic texts. Additionally, reflective diaries were described as a powerful writing practice during their studies. Participants conceive the realization of the baccalaureate thesis as a difficult process, especially as regards selecting, synthesizing, and writing about the available information, processes that they indicated generate anxiety. Academic writing skills should be specifically included in the nursing curriculum.