The Experience of Non-Full-Time Nursing Graduate Students in China: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

To address the disconnection between the educational structure of nursing teams and the rapid development of China's medical and health industry, there is a shortage of highly educated nursing personnel. In 2016, Chinese universities introduced a new training model for nursing graduate students: non-full-time nursing graduate students. Due to its late development, this model needs continuous improvement. Understanding the training experience of non-full-time nursing graduate students is crucial for refining the training model. This study explores the experiences of non-full-time nursing graduate students and provides a basis for improving their training in China. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 non-full-time nursing graduate students. Data were collated and analyzed using Colaizzi's method. The analysis identified five themes related to the study experiences of non-full-time nursing graduate students: (1) maladaptation to diversified roles; (2) weak scientific research foundation; (3) lack of high-level guidance in clinical practice; (4) concern about social recognition; and (5) lack of educational and training resources. Competent government and training units should fully understand the experiences of non-full-time nursing graduate students and improve their training model from the students' perspective to promote the development of high-quality nursing talents. This will ultimately benefit employers, training units, individuals, and patients.