Clinical Experiences of International Nursing Students in the Philippines: A Phernomenological Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ijphn.v2i2.8594Keywords:
Clinical Performance, Lived Experiences, Nursing EducationAbstract
International Nursing Students who undergo clinical training in the Philippines face a range of complex lived experiences that remain poorly understood and underrepresented in existing literature. While the Philippines has become an increasingly popular destination for international nursing education due to it globally recognized nursing programs and affordability, little to none qualitative research has documented the actual clinical realities these international Nursing students encounter within Philippine hospital and classroom settings. This study aimed to uncover the lived experiences, challenges, and personal growth encountered by international nursing students during their clinical training in Philippine hospitals. The study used a transcendental phenomenological approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with selected international nursing students who completed clinical placements in various hospital settings across the Philippines. There were 14 participants, of whom 13 were females and 1 male. From the interviews, the data were analyzed to identify 16 major themes from three research questions which include, Family Influence and Connections, Financial and Sponsorship Support, Academic Opportunities and Quality of Education, Affordability and Feasibility, Perceived Global Value of Philippine Nursing, Language Barriers and Translation Dependency, Psychosocial Strain and Embodied Stress, Identity, Belonging, and Discrimination, Support Systems and Community Buffers, Growth, Adaptability, and Professional Identity Formation, Academic and Clinical Workload and Pace, Professional Growth and Competence Development, Advocacy, Leadership, and Healthcare Improvement, Cultural Adaptability and Global Competence, Faith-Driven Orientation Toward the Future, and Mentorship and Giving Back. The findings shed light on the emotional, social, and academic challenges these students face and the coping mechanisms they employ. Summary of the results This study contributes valuable insights for nursing educators, institutions, and hospital administrators to enhance the international nursing education experience and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for foreign nursing students in the Philippines.
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