The perception of nursing students of providing patients with fundamental nursing care: “Both good and bad”

Context: Care is an integral part, and the core of the nursing profession, but fundamental nursing care maybe overlooked and neglected. Learning how to provide these types of care and emphasizing them are an important part of nursing education. Aims: The present study was conducted to explain the perception of nursing students in providing patients with fundamental nursing care. Setting and Designs: The present qualitative study was done with 12 nursing students in one nursing faculty in the north of Iran in the year 1397. Materials and Methods: In this conventional content analysis study, we collected data through individual semi-structured interviews with 12 undergraduate nursing students whom had passed at least five semesters. Statistical Analysis Used: Data collected were analyzed using an inductive approach to conventional content analysis based on the five steps proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. The interviews were promptly transcribed after they were recorded. Lincoln and Guba’s criteria were used to confirm the trustworthiness and rigor of the data. Results: Analyzing the data extracted three categories, namely “Receiving a Rewards (subcategories consist of self-satisfaction, honor, supportiveness, helpfulness, power)”, “Paying the Costs (subcategories consist of Dichotomy and conflict, Physical and mental, annoyance)” and “Effective factors (subcategories consist of Professional trainings, familial/cultural teachings, religious teachings feedback received from others)”. Conclusion: The nursing students perceived providing fundamental nursing care as “Receiving a reward” and “Paying the cost,” which are affected by different factors. Therefore, nursing instructors should help students balance this contrasting feeling.