University of Limpopo student nurses’ clinical learning experiences in a public hospital at the Capricorn district, Limpopo Province, South Africa

The study was conducted to determine the University of Limpopo student nurses’ clinical learning experiences in a public hospital of the Capricorn district in the Limpopo province. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and phenomenological research method was applied to explore and describe the experiences of student nurses’ clinical learning experiences in a public hospital of the Capricorn district. The population comprised all student nurses registered for Bachelor Curationis (B.Cur) for 2011 academic year. A convenient sampling technique was used and the sample comprised 10 third level and 5 fourth level students. Data collected was done using unstructured interviews. The ethical principles relevant to the study were observed. The measures to ensure trustworthiness were adhered to. The following four themes emerged using Tesch’s open coding method of data analysis: teaching and learning support, opportunities of learning, integration of theory and practice and interpersonal relationships between the student nurses and the clinical staff. The strategies which could encourage provision of support to student nurses during their clinical learning period in hospitals were recommended