Experiences of Turkish and international students in pediatric nursing course: a qualitative study

Pediatric nursing is a specialized field that requires not only the provision of care to children, who are a unique group, but also the roles of advocacy and prevention, in addition to modern nursing roles. As a result, it may be perceived differently in nursing education compared to other core subjects. The aim of this study is to explore the emotions, thoughts, and experiences of Turkish and international students taking the pediatric nursing course.

This research is a qualitative study utilizing a phenomenological approach. The study was conducted with nursing students who took the pediatric nursing course at a foundation university. A total of 23 students who agreed to participate were included in the study. In-depth interviews, each lasting approximately 40 min, were conducted with each student. A semi-structured form was used during the interviews, and thematic analysis was performed on the collected data. Ethical approval and participant consent were obtained prior to the study.

As a result of the interviews, three main themes and five sub-themes emerged regarding the students' views on the pediatric nursing course. The themes were perception, thoughts, and experiences. The sub-themes were: child, positive thoughts, negative thoughts, personal development, and professional development.

The study revealed that the pediatric nursing course was challenging for both groups of students and provided an opportunity to experience various emotions. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize that this course can provide valuable experiences for nursing students in preparation for their future careers. Additionally, to facilitate students' transition into pediatric practice, it is recommended to create a learning environment that emotionally supports students, including an orientation process aimed at providing a positive learning experience and fostering a therapeutic environment that supports role transitions.

Not applicable.