Abstract
Introduction: One
of the most important needs of the students to work reliably in the clinical
setting is the feeling of belongingness. Understanding and recognizing such a
distinguishing feature among students can reduce their stress and tension. The
current research aimed at studying the experiences of belongingness among
nursing students in clinical settings.
Methods: In this conventional content analysis
study, 12 nursing students were selected from Lorestan University of
Medical Sciences by purposive method. In-depth interviews were employed to
collect data. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for analyses. Data
collection and analysis were carried out at the same time.
Results: The nature of belongingness with respect to clinical
setting was expressed and classified in five themes and 11 subthemes. Five concepts (themes), which constituted the
nature of nursing students’ experiences, were as follows: moving in the
direction of evolvement, attention to human and ethical values, professional
integrity, achieving inner satisfaction, and the environment conformity with
learner.
Conclusion: The issue of
belongingness and its promotion are of utmost importance. The clinical staff,
including head nurses and nurses, must perform their roles properly in
providing supportive and facilitative clinical environment, positive and
constructive interactions, and professional development contexts for students,
so that they feel being accepted and valued.