The interpersonal relationship between registered nurses and nursing students during clinical placement : A phenomenological inquiry

In Australia and internationally, registered nurses (RN) supervise and enable the clinical placement learning for nursing students. Some evidence exists that student placement outcomes are influenced by RN-student positive teaching and learning association. In comparison there is minimal knowledge about the importance of RN-student interpersonal relationships or their influence on positive placement experiences for students. This descriptive phenomenological research explored the lived experiences (nature and extent) of the interpersonal relationship between RNs and students during clinical placement from the perspective of the RN, through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Findings from this research revealed that the RN-student relationship was foundational for teaching and learning and was crucial for positive student learning on placement.