“Making a Difference”: The Lived Experience of Student Nurses in Training

Aim: The present study examines the experiences and challenges faced by student nurses in training in the contemporary NHS

Method: An initial quantitative survey design was used to ascertain levels of compassion fatigue and satisfaction in the population of student nurses, with the descriptive statistics being used to inform the interview schedule used in the following qualitative interviews. Interviews were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.

Findings: Three experiential pillars were identified; “Sinking before you even get the chance to swim”, The importance of empathy and “Them and us” which encompass a range of lived experiences for student nurses.

Conclusions: This study yields an insight into the lifeworld of student nurses not previously attained, with the findings being used to propose changes to the clinical placement system in an effort to remedy increasing attrition rates. Further avenues of investigation are also discussed.