Abstract

PURPOSE
This study elicited Korean students' experiences of nursing practice at geriatric hospitals.
METHOD
A purposive sample of 26 Korean nursing students was recruited from K College of Nursing located in Daegu, Korea. Inclusion criteria were nursing students who: 1) finished nursing practice at geriatric hospitals, 2) were oriented and communicable, and 3) understood research purpose and agreed to participate in this study. Individuals were interviewed using Q-methodology.
RESULTS
The majority of the participants had experience of living with the elderly and volunteering related to elder care. Data analysis showed that participants' experiences of nursing practices were consisted of three types: skill acquiring-oriented, relationship-oriented, and practice system-oriented.
CONCLUSION
Nursing practices at geriatric hospitals provided opportunities of having positive attitude toward the elderly for nursing students. Nursing students' experiences were divided into at least three different types. Nursing educators need to develop curriculum for gerontological nursing practice tailoring to theses differences.

• Keywords: Q-methodology; Elder care; Clinical practice