2022 Volume 42 Pages 222-230
Aim: This study aimed to identify the learnings of students of maternal nursing from the perspective of legitimate peripheral participation.
Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine fourth-year university nursing students who had completed maternal nursing training. A descriptive, qualitative approach was used for analysis.
Results: The students of maternal nursing engaged in step-by-step practical training alongside established nurses and were thus in the process of legitimate peripheral participation. However, they found it burdensome as there were certain practices they could not perform by themselves, and they had the responsibility of taking care of the mother and child simultaneously. Moreover, they experienced challenges communicating with the postpartum mothers and nurses, resulting in growth through interaction with others. Their experiences in practical training helped them understand maternal nursing. They learned more from the experience in practical training than they could from lectures and exercises in school.
Conclusion: The nursing skills of students gradually improved as they practiced them alongside established nurses. They also reported additional self-growth and learning via these field experiences and interactions with people they could not otherwise directly interact with on campus.
