"I try to act like a nurse": A phenomenological qualitative study.

Practicums help nursing students to become familiar with nursing roles and to acquire a proper understanding of nursing behavior, functions, and values. Initial clinical practice experiences are highly important, especially for first-year nursing students, in terms of professional socialization. The aim of this study was to explore the initial experiences of first-year nursing students during clinical practices. This study was designed as a qualitative study based on Heidegger's hermeneutic phenomenological approach. The data were collected from diaries written by 12 first-year nursing students on their first clinical experiences. The obtained data were analyzed using van Manen's thematic analysis, the results of which helped to identify four themes: Conflict between feelings and professionalism, Trying to act like a nurse, Growth through challenges, and Care outcomes. Although the students experienced some emotional conflicts on the first clinical practice days, by the end of the term, they had achieved many accomplishments, including personal development, satisfaction with caring, and a feeling of belongingness. It was found that they needed support from the faculty and nurses to develop a caring vision and professional identity. While the students' initial nursing experiences seemed to be satisfactory, it can nonetheless be recommended that educators and nurses adopt approaches that serve to facilitate students' professional socialization.