Exploring Nursing Students' Perceptions of a Clinical Experience Caring for Youth Facing Social and Economic...

Nursing students often have limited opportunities to engage with pediatric populations affected by socioeconomic disadvantage in outpatient or community settings. Partnerships with community-based programs can address this gap while fostering essential professional competencies.

This qualitative descriptive study explored senior nursing students' perceptions of a clinical experience involving an after-school academic enrichment program (SHINE) serving youth from economically under-served communities. Postexperience questionnaires were completed by 21 baccalaureate nursing students following participation in the SHINE program. Data were analyzed thematically.

Four primary themes emerged: (1) communication skills; (2) cultural competence; (3) advocacy; and (4) leadership and teamwork. Students described enhanced confidence when interacting with children from diverse backgrounds, increased awareness of social determinants of health, and recognition of the nurse's role in advocacy and collaboration.

Embedding nursing students in community-based programs provides meaningful learning experiences that strengthen communication, cultural awareness, and leadership skills. These findings support continued integration of population-based clinical experiences in undergraduate nursing curricula.