Experiential learning during NICU observation: A qualitative study with implications for teaching

IF 2.5 Q2 NURSING

Teaching and Learning in Nursing Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-08-22 DOI:10.1016/j.teln.2026.07.036

Huichen Zhang, Xuemei Ding, Junying Gong, Yumei Wu, Xiaoyu Pan, Xiaoli Zhang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are high-acuity, emotionally demanding learning environments. How students translate emotional experiences into professional learning remains underexplored.

Objective

This study aimed to explore undergraduate nursing students’ experiences of NICU observation according to Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, and to identify its perceived influence on students’ life perception, professional understanding, clinical awareness, and career development.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in a tertiary hospital NICU in China. Reflective journals voluntarily submitted by undergraduate nursing students were screened, and 17 eligible journals were included and analyzed thematically.

Results

Four themes emerged: emotional impact and life perception; deepening of professional nursing cognition; perception of comprehensive clinical competence and professional norms; and professional identity and career development. Students progressed from emotional reactions to integrated clinical understanding.

Conclusions

NICU observation grounded in Kolb’s experiential learning theory may foster reflections on life, deepen understanding of nursing practice, enhance clinical competence and professional values, and promote professional identity and career development.

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新生儿重症监护病房观察中的体验式学习：一项具有教学意义的定性研究

新生儿重症监护病房（NICUs）是高灵敏度、情感要求高的学习环境。学生如何将情感体验转化为专业学习仍未得到充分探索。目的根据Kolb体验式学习周期，探讨本科护生NICU观察体验，并探讨其对学生生活感知、专业理解、临床意识和职业发展的感知影响。方法对某三级医院新生儿重症监护室进行定性描述性研究。对本科护生自愿提交的反思期刊进行筛选，选取17种符合条件的期刊进行专题分析。结果出现了四个主题：情绪影响与生活感知；深化专业护理认知；临床综合能力感知与职业规范；以及职业认同和职业发展。学生从情绪反应发展到综合临床理解。结论基于Kolb体验式学习理论的护理观察可以促进对生活的反思，加深对护理实践的理解，提高临床能力和职业价值观，促进职业认同和职业发展。

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来源期刊

Teaching and Learning in Nursing NURSING-

CiteScore

2.60

自引率

10.50%

发文量

119

审稿时长

37 days

期刊介绍： Teaching and Learning in Nursing is the Official Journal of the National Organization of Associate Degree Nursing. The journal is dedicated to the advancement of Associate Degree Nursing education and practice, and promotes collaboration in charting the future of health care education and delivery. Topics include: - Managing Different Learning Styles - New Faculty Mentoring - Legal Issues - Research - Legislative Issues - Instructional Design Strategies - Leadership, Management Roles - Unique Funding for Programs and Faculty