Experiences of nursing students during clinical education in mental health clinics: A phenomenological qualitative study*

Aim: Nursing students have both positive and negative experiences during clinical education. This study was conducted to identify experiences of nursing students during clinical education in mental health clinics. Design: This phenomenological qualitative design study was conducted with 4th year undergraduate nursing students from a university in Turkey to identify their experiences specifically in mental health clinics. Methods: The data were collected using focus groups interviews with 40 nursing students and assessed with the 7stage phenomenological analysis method described by Colaizzi. Results: Three main themes were determined: (i) the need for supportive interventions to cope with negative emotions; (ii) difficulty in translating theoretical knowledge into practice; and (iii) the lack of role model nurses and teaching staff. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that supportive interventions should be given to nursing students before clinical education. Also, the duration of clinical education, the teaching methods to be used and role model nurses and teaching staff effectiveness in clinical education should be planned carefully.