Exploring Dynamic Changes in Empathic Capability Among Postgraduate Nursing Students During Clinical Internships: An...

Clinical empathy is essential for postgraduate nursing students. How it changes during clinical internships remains unclear.

To explore changes in empathic capability among Master of Nursing Specialist (MNS) postgraduates during clinical internships.

A descriptive qualitative design was used. Twenty-four MNS postgraduates from 2 universities in Fujian Province, China, were purposively sampled. Semistructured interviews were conducted after internship completion. Data were analyzed using artificial intelligence-assisted prescreening and content analysis with human-in-the-loop validation.

Four trajectories emerged: (1) decline from sympathetic engagement to emotional numbness; (2) spiral-upward growth from mechanical tasks to deep understanding; (3) V-shaped recovery driven by research roles and professional maturity; and (4) defensive end-stage slump related to academic pressure and detachment. Empathy evolved nonlinearly, influenced by fatigue, exposure to suffering, clinical competence, and professional growth.

Empathy among MNS postgraduates follows multiple dynamic trajectories. Nurse educators should provide stage-specific support to sustain empathy and foster professional development.