Lived Experiences of Female Undergraduate Students, at a Nursing College in Abu Dhabi, about Nursing as a Profession

Abstract

Aim: To explore the lived experiences of female undergraduate nursing students about nursing as a profession and the circumstances that have influenced their experience.

Introduction: Nursing as a profession is a relatively new practice, and thus in the developmental stage, in the UAE. The number of national students (Emirati) who enrol in the nursing program is relatively small. To understand the opinions, feelings and thoughts of these undergraduate nursing students about nursing as a profession, it was essential to explore their lived experiences.

Research Methods and Design: An exploratory, descriptive qualitative research design was used. The target population was third-year female undergraduates nursing students at a nursing college, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. A purposeful sampling was used. Self-report data were gathered from each participant through written reflections. Each participant was asked to reflect on two questions. The sample size was concluded through data saturation. Data was analysed using Collaizi’s 7- step method and guided the researchers to sort each transcript into themes, sub-themes and categories. Trustworthiness criteria was utilized to assess the validity and reliability of the results.

Findings: Analysis of data revealed four themes about nursing as a profession. These themes included changing perceptions, nursing as a career, scope of practice, and social stand of nursing as a profession.

Conclusion: Nursing students’ lived experiences about nursing as a profession provided valuable information that could be employed to enhance students’ recruitment into the nursing program. Consequently these experiences will inform the Emiratization process, as well as the issue of nursing shortage in the UAE.

Keywords: Nursing as a Profession, Nursing Profession, Nursing