Practicum experiences in a Japanese hospital: A focus group study of Korean nursing students

Objectives This study attempted to explore the experiences of Korean nursing students in clinical practice in Japanese hospitals. Methods Focus group interviews, field notes, and practicum diaries of 14 Korean nursing students who participated in clinical practice in a Japanese hospital after the end of the first semester of their third year were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. Data collection took place during the month of July 2018. Results Four themes and nine sub-themes were extracted from the study participants' clinical practice experiences in Japanese hospitals. The sub-themes of ‘strengthening nursing competence’ were various basic nursing practice opportunities, specialised geriatric nursing experiences and establishing an ideal nursing image, while the sub-themes of ‘growth through meaningful relationships’ were improving self-esteem through interaction with nurses and bonding with patients across language barriers. The sub-themes of ‘increased interest in global nursing’ were improved understanding of healthcare cultures in different countries, motivation to learn foreign languages and work abroad, and the sub-themes of ‘challenges of being a foreign trainee’ were limitations due to language and cultural differences and difficulties due to different practice settings. Conclusions The clinical practicum experience in Japanese hospitals was an opportunity for the participants to grow as competent nurses by experiencing the advanced nursing culture and diversity of clinical practice. This study provides basic data and implications for nursing practitioners, educators, and students on future clinical practicum in Japanese hospitals.