[Experiences, perceptions and emotions of the students of Degree Course in Nursing in the Internship: a mixed method study].

Abstract

Introduction: The internship is fundamental for the training of future professionals during the degree course in Nursing. Therefore, it is useful to investigate stress and difficulties experienced by students during this activity.

Objective: to explore the students' experiences during their internships and identify the possible sources of related stress.

Method: a mixed methods study with concurrent triangulation was designed. An ad hoc structured questionnaire was disseminated on the main social networks and conducted via in-depth, audiotaped, face-to-face interviews.

Results: 177 people responded to the questionnaire. The main sources of stress during training were: "not having adequate feedback from the clinical tutors" (75%) and "not receiving support to meet patients' needs" (65%). The prevalent negative emotions were a "loneliness" (46%) and "impotence" (54%). 11 students were interviewed in depth. 5 fundamental themes and 13 related concepts emerged. The internship is considered fundamental, but there is the worry of not being able to learn what is necessary to carry out the profession in the future. The presence of competent and motivated clinical tutors and a greater involvement of university tutors in internship contexts are both considered important.

Discussion and conclusions: the results suggest the need to identify methods of involvement university and clinical tutors, and the organization of internship experiences in care settings that could be suitable for the course year.