Nursing Students' Experiences Caring for Children With Special Needs: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study

Background: Caring for children with special needs in special education settings requires effective communication, caregiving skills, and professional adaptability. Nursing students may face challenges while interacting with these children. Understanding their experiences is important for improving educational preparation and professional development. Method: This qualitative study employed an interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA). Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with nursing students who completed placements in special education settings. Data were analyzed according to IPA principles. Results: Three themes emerged: encountering uncertainty and initial shock, being caught between closeness and distance, and being transformed: reconstructing professional identity. Students described uncertainty, fear, and inadequacy during initial encounters, followed by emotional attachment, ethical dilemmas, and challenges in maintaining professional boundaries. Over time, these experiences contributed to understanding nursing roles. Conclusion: Caring for children with special needs shaped students' emotional experiences and professional identities, highlighting the need for improved educational preparation.