Exploring the experiences of female undergraduate nursing students in providing home healthcare to older adults

BackgroundIn light of the growing ageing population in Saudi Arabia and Saudi nurses' hesitation to work with the older population, it is important to understand the experiences of nursing students on their clinical placement in home healthcare.MethodsThis study is a descriptive qualitative study based on five focus groups of 3-5 students each. Data were collected from female senior baccalaureate nursing students at a female governmental university in Saudi Arabia, and during their placement in home healthcare. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFive main themes emerged : struggling with their own family; struggling with cultural and social beliefs; struggling during clinical training; struggling with domestic caregivers; and reflections for the future were considered important impressions in clinical experience.ConclusionThe culture of Saudi Arabian society is an important factor in shaping the training experience of female nursing students either positively or negatively, specifically in the context of home healthcare nursing for older patients. The results of this study show how important it is for students to be prepared for the clinical environment, the nature of the work, and the role of the home healthcare nurse in order to improve their clinical learning.