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Intentional Reflection of Student Experiences During Graduate Nursing Education: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Laura Gray1, Steven Busby, Aine O'Connor
1Author Affiliations: Associate Professor (Drs Gray and Busby), Dean & Professor of Nursing (Dr Honey), Inman College of Nursing, Belmont University, Nashville, TN; Health Sciences Librarian (Ms O'Connor), Lila D. Bunch Library, Belmont University, Nashville, TN.
Transitioning to graduate nursing programs is challenging. Reflective journaling can aid nurse practitioner students in navigating academic demands and adapting to their future roles.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Advanced Practice Nursing
Background:
- Nurse practitioners (NPs) are crucial for addressing primary care shortages.
- Transitioning from registered nurse (RN) to NP requires graduate education, presenting unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the experiences of nurses during their initial semester of graduate studies.
- To understand the adaptation process for aspiring nurse practitioners.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative descriptive analysis of 23 student reflections.
- Faculty analysis of student journaling entries.
Main Results:
- Key themes identified: academic performance, encountered challenges, emotional responses, integration of coursework with future roles, and sources of support.
- Students reported a multifaceted experience during their first semester.
Conclusions:
- Reflective journaling emerges as a potential tool for students to process and manage graduate school challenges.
- Supporting students through the transition to advanced practice is vital for success.
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