It All Depends: How Minority Nursing Students Experience Belonging During Clinical Experiences

AIM The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence minority nursing students' sense of belonging during clinical experiences. BACKGROUND Minority nursing students encounter multiple barriers within their clinical education experiences and have a higher attrition rate than Caucasian women. METHOD A mixed-method approach using a survey and individual qualitative interviews was used to generate data for this study. RESULTS Minority students' sense of belonging is dependent on their interactions with registered nurses with whom they work, clinical nursing instructors, and student peers. Positive experiences enhance students' sense of belonging, while negative experiences may severely impact their belongingness. CONCLUSION Every interaction that minority students have with clinical nursing instructors, registered nurses, and their student peers has the potential to impact belongingness. Engaging in reflection, developing mission statements that appreciate and value diversity, and using transformative learning strategies enhance minority students' sense of belonging.