The experience of RN/BSN students participating in online caring groups

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of RN/BSN nursing students participating in online caring groups. Six RN/BSN nursing students participated in the research. The interviews were analyzed using a phenomenological methodology, based on a modified Colaizzi approach. The four patterns that emerged during the study were Confirmation of caring, Building caring relationships, Learning the role of the nurse manager and Appreciating diversity. Under the pattern of Confirmation of Caring were the themes caring groups as giving and receiving academic support and caring groups as giving and receiving personal support. Under the pattern of Building caring relationships were the themes of Getting to know people you might not have and The importance of bonding. Under pattern of Learning the role of the nurse manager were the themes of Struggle of giving and receiving criticism and Struggle of working together as a group. Under the pattern of Appreciating diversity were the themes of Diversity of culture and Diversity of points of View. Findings relate to the theory of Nursing as caring, offer insight into nursing students participating in online caring groups, and increase understanding of the reciprocal nature of caring online. Additional research is needed to more fully explore online caring groups within nursing education.