The Lived Experiences of Saudi Nursing Students in Digital Clinical Experience: A Phenomenological Study

Background Novel digital methods of simulation are gaining popularity in nursing education in light of the limited access to clinical placement and expensive high-fidelity simulation technologies. Aim The aim of this study is to explore the lived experiences of Saudi nursing students in digital clinical experiences (DCEs). Methods A qualitative phenomenological research design, grounded in Husserlian phenomenology, was employed. Purposive sampling was utilized to select 21 participants actively involved in DCEs. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect rich, narrative data. Results The thematic analysis has yielded four themes, namely, "comfort and safety", "critical thinking and problem solving", "appraisal of knowledge", and "transition to practice." Conclusions The findings contribute to ongoing discussions about leveraging technology in nursing education, emphasizing the need for educators and policymakers to integrate digital tools that enhance the learning experiences of nursing students.