Pediatric nursing training in nursing studies: A qualitative study

Background: In recent years, the focus on paediatric nursing in bachelor's programmes has diminished, with less theoretical and practical training. Objective: This study explores the experiences of third-year nursing students in a paediatric nursing programme. Method: In a qualitative study characterised by a hermeneutical approach, 13 nursing students were interviewed, and the interviews were analysed using systematic text condensation. Results: Students learned about paediatric nursing in the educational institution through paediatric nursing instruction and training in the exercise department. The students learned about paediatric nursing outside the educational institution by interviewing paediatric nurses and parents, whom they knew privately, about their experiences of sick children, as well as through visits and one day of clinical practice. Conclusion: The students highlighted that they experienced useful learning in the Children's Project but overall learned too little about paediatric nursing.