Student nurse experiences in public healthcare clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND: The social crises induced by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have had adverse effects on the global healthcare system. Public healthcare centers have restructured their services to address clinical needs at the forefront of the pandemic. This led to nursing students immersing themselves in clinical experience while practicing at public healthcare centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore and understand the experiences of nursing students practicing in public healthcare centers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: A qualitative study. SETTING: A public healthcare center in Korea. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty third-year nursing students from a university in Korea. METHODS: A qualitative study design was used where students provided reflections on their experience in clinical practice at public healthcare centers. Data were collected between November 5 and December 17, 2021. Data were analyzed using the phenomenological approach proposed by Colaizzi. RESULTS: Three categories emerged. Students immersed themselves in a practicum experience in public healthcare in response to COVID-19. Students recognized the challenges associated with providing healthcare services during the pandemic. The students expanded their field of interest to community nursing. CONCLUSION: In the context of COVID-19, supplementing academic education and training for nursing students with experience in clinical practice at public healthcare centers enhanced the capabilities of future nurses. It increased confidence in their work and responsibilities.