Student nurse preferences for their first clinical experience: a thematic analysis

Shifts in demographic profiles and in the understanding of how to best deliver healthcare have seen nurses increasingly caring for non-acute client groups out-with traditional clinical settings. Evidence suggests that this does not always sit well with nurses, or with nurses in training. This study sought then to investigate the influences on student nurse perceptions of the worth of working with various client groups. Thematic analysis of a focus group discussion led to the identification of several themes suggesting that unhelpful opinions are present in some students on entry to the programme, however programme related influences also contribute towards unhelpful attitudes. To create a more positive framing of working within such specialisms will require significant focus across nursing, nurse education and society in general.