The self-selected use of social media for the pre-registration student nurse journey: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Hayward, Melanie (2021) The self-selected use of social media for the pre-registration student nurse journey: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. In: RCN Education Forum Virtual Conference and Exhibition | Online, 26/04/2022 - 27/04/2022, Online.

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Abstract

The popularisation and swift progress of social media use means its use is widespread amongst university students worldwide, who are progressively using it to support their education. Yet, irrespective of its popularity, minimal qualitative studies examine the lived experience of student nurses, more specifically its self-chosen use in relation to their studies. Evaluation of this phenomenon through interpretative phenomenological analysis has provided a student-centric dialogue which can support nurse educators to understand purpose and benefit from their perspective. Background & aim: Previous research examining social media use amongst student nurses primarily explores post academic-led or curricula-imposed social media activities. This study uniquely used interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the lived experience of the phenomenon of self-selected social media use through the viewpoint of UK pre-registered student nurses in relation to their studies. Methods: Seven UK pre-registration student nurses who used social media in relation to their nursing studies were interviewed during February and March 2020. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Four themes indicated that students used social media to discover, create and control their ‘own space’ for personal and professional benefit, through a ‘whole new world’ of social connections, ‘opening doors’ for learning and development to support themselves and each other on their ‘journey to be nurses’. The analysis also revealed an inherent journey of self-discovery affording self-empowerment and resilience, the significance of which was dependent on each participant’s characteristics and experiences. Conclusions: Social media use may have the potential to assist student nurse decisions related to, enhance the experience of, and engagement in, their education. As an international phenomenon, social media could be considered as an agent to improve student nurse retention and facilitate recruitment. Future research is recommended to explore the use of social media in this way as well as the challenges to its use. These observations are timely within the renewed emphasis on student and workforce recruitment and retention not just within the UK, but worldwide.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Keywords:	Interpretative phenomenology, Social media, Nurse education, Nursing, Pre-registration student nurse, Retention
Depositing User:	RED Unit Admin
Date Deposited:	03 May 2022 13:15
Last Modified:	23 Oct 2023 11:02
URI:	https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18518

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