Learning to nurse in China – Structural factors influencing professional development in practice settings: A phenomenological study

SummaryThis paper describes findings from a stratified phenomenological investigation into Chinese nursing students’ experiences of learning in practice placements. The investigation was undertaken in China whilst studying at an English University for a post-graduate degree. With the transition of Chinese nursing education into higher education institutions, clinical nursing experience remains a fundamental factor in students’ preparation for qualification.This small phenomenological study sought to understand the kinds of experiences students encounter, the factors that supported or inhibited their learning and the ways in which learning in practice could be enhanced. This paper concentrates on the structural factors that influenced students’ learning. These structural factors included; the opportunities available for students to learn, students’ participation in clinical nursing activities; the relationship that placement staff were willing to engage in with the students and the prevailing learning climate of the placement setting.