Bullying Experiences of South Korean Nursing Students During Clinical Practice: A Focus Group Study on Two Colleges

초록

Background/Objectives: Nursing students are often exposed to bullying in clinical settings.Bullying in a practice environment is an important issue that causes psychological, physical,and mental health problems in nursing students. However, in South Korea, few qualitativestudies have examined bullying among nursing students in clinical practice environments.This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of bullying among South Korean nurs-ing students during clinical practice.Methods: A qualitative descriptive study using asemi-structured interview guide was employed to collect data from nursing students ina focus group. Overall, three focus groups were used, with seven students in each groupcomprising males and females. The sample size was based on data saturation and saturatedon three focus group discussions, giving a sample size of 21. Purposeful sampling wasused to select students who had completed one or more semesters of clinical practice (sixcredits, 270 h) from two nursing colleges. Interviews were conducted in May 2025. Datawere analyzed using Colaizzi's method.Results: A total of 23 meaning units, 14 themes,and 7 thematic clusters were identified. Seven overarching thematic clusters emerged:(1) exposure to harsh speech; (2) experiencing physical harm; (3) being considered a sexualobject; (4) disrespected as a nursing student; (5) assigned tasks beyond an individual's capa-bilities; (6) restricted educational opportunities corresponding to clinical practice objectives;and (7) discriminatory treatment due to healthcare professionals' prejudice.Conclusions:These findings highlight the need for raising the awareness of bullying and applying thestrategies to prevent bullying and protect nursing students during clinical practice.

키워드