Abstract
We conducted a qualitative inductive study to clarify the factors affecting what nursing students in a child nursing practicum felt were the first steps towards the formation of relationships with children. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 9 students who studied nursing and completed a child nursing practicum at a university school of nursing. The data obtained were analyzed through incorporation of the KJ technique. As a result, 6 categories of steps were identified, i.e. "child attitudes that encouraged involvement with the child," "situations where one felt confident in becoming involved with a child," "a child's perceived acceptance of the student," "trust from people around the child," "the protectiveness of people familiar with the child," and "the space of timing involved." Aspects examined were favorable attitudes and reactions by children to nursing students, situations where students were involved with children, and involvement with children in their own environments. In addition, behaviors signaling involvement with a child were present in the form of gaining parental trust, providing assistance as a medical professional, and modeling.
