Final-year nursing students' clinical practice experiences: a reflection study

This study aimed to explore the most impactful clinical practice experiences of final-year nursing students and the future-oriented actions developed in response to these experiences.

A retrospective descriptive qualitative design was used. Following reflection training in the internship practice course, 134 final-year nursing students were asked to describe the experience that affected them most during clinical practice. A total of 123 written reflections were analyzed using content analysis.

Three themes emerged: near-miss events, incivility behaviors, and positive preceptoring roles. Negative experiences were mainly related to patients, relatives, and nurses and often led students to feel fear and inadequacy. Students reported action plans focused on effective communication, safe patient care, and becoming positive role models.

These findings highlight the importance of supportive clinical learning environments and positive professional socialization during the transition from student to nurse.

Nursing students worldwide may encounter incivility and near-miss events during clinical practice, potentially adversely affecting their learning experiences and professional development.