Objective: This study aims to explore nursing students’ perceptions of the oldest-old people after clinical training. Methods: A total of 65 students who had completed their clinical training in basic nursing were recruited for this study. Their perceptions of the oldest-old people were measured using Yasuda et al.’s SD method (semantic differential scale method) comprising 15 questionnaire items on perceptions of the elderly in six sections. The questionnaire also included open-ended questions for students to describe their perceptions of oldest-old people. Results: There were no significant differences in the total scores by gender of the oldest-old people, participants’ experience of living with grandparents, and their experience of the oldest-old people. Students perceived the oldest-old people as “weak,” “difficult to approach,” “deserving of respect,” “life history is affected,” “vitality,” “having a clear will,” “strong,” and “maintaining living functions.” This was evident from the student responses to the question on “individual differences.” Conclusions: We hypothesized that on-the-job training for students would familiarize them with the experience of providing care to oldest-old people and enable them to share their perceptions of the oldest-old people.
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