Clinical experiences of international nursing students in the Philippines :

Abstract

This study aimed to uncover the lived experiences, challenges, and personal growth encountered by international nursing students during their clinical training in Philippine hospitals. Using a transcendental-phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with selected international nursing students who completed clinical placements in various hospital settings across the Philippines. The data were analyzed to identify 16 major themes from three research questions which include, **Family Influence and Connections, Financial and Sponsorship Support, Academic Opportunities and Quality of Education, Affordability and Feasibility, Perceived Global Value of Philippine Nursing, Language Barriers and Translation Dependency, Psychosocial Strain and Embodied Stress, Identity, Belonging, and Discrimination, Support Systems and Community Buffers, Growth, Adaptability, and Professional Identity Formation, Academic and Clinical Workload and Pace, Professional Growth and Competence Development, Advocacy, Leadership, and Healthcare Improvement, Cultural Adaptability and Global Competence, Faith-Driven Orientation Toward the Future, and Mentorship and Giving Back**, shedding light on the emotional, social, and academic challenges these students face and the coping mechanisms they employ. There were 14 participants, of whom 13 were females and 1 man. This study contributes valuable insights for nursing educators, institutions, and hospital administrators to enhance the international nursing education experience and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for foreign nursing students in the Philippines.