Emirati Nursing Students Navigate ICU Clinical Placements

A qualitative descriptive study published in BMC Nursing explores the specific experiences of Emirati final-year nursing students during their clinical placements in intensive care units. The research, led by Huda Anshasi and colleagues, aims to describe how these students perceive their ICU experiences and how such placements contribute to their professional development. The study addresses a gap in limited qualitative research regarding the unique perspectives of Emirati nursing students in high-acuity clinical environments.

The research employed a qualitative descriptive design to capture the nuanced experiences of the participants. Emirati final-year nursing students who had completed an ICU clinical placement during the current or previous academic semester were recruited using purposive sampling. Individual semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with the participants, and all sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim to ensure accuracy in data collection.

Data analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis, utilizing an inductive approach to coding and theme development. After the inductive development and refinement of themes, the researchers applied Kolb’s experiential learning theory as an interpretive lens.

Twenty-seven Emirati female nursing students participated in the study, providing a focused sample for this qualitative inquiry. The analysis identified three primary themes: Emotional Challenges and Adaptation During ICU Clinical Placements, Clinical Learning Challenges in the ICU Environment, and Clinical Learning and Educational Support in the ICU. These themes collectively illustrate the complex interplay between emotional adjustment and clinical skill acquisition in a high-pressure setting.

Participants described the ICU as a complex clinical environment that initially evoked fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. However, the study found that these initial challenges gradually fostered emotional resilience, confidence, empathy, and professional awareness over time.

Several factors influenced the learning process for these students, including challenges in translating theoretical knowledge into practical application. Limited opportunities for supervised hands-on participation and unfamiliarity with advanced ICU technologies were also cited as significant hurdles. Additionally, participants noted difficulties in communication with patients, families, and healthcare professionals, highlighting the multifaceted nature of clinical learning in such environments.

The study emphasizes the critical role of educational support in facilitating learning and strengthening clinical competence. Participants highlighted the importance of guided participation, consistent supervision, and timely feedback.

The findings suggest that meaningful learning in the ICU extends beyond mere clinical exposure. It is strengthened by structured preparation, supervised participation, and guided reflection. The authors conclude that these elements may help students engage more meaningfully with complex ICU experiences, thereby strengthening their preparedness for professional nursing practice.

Subject of Research: Qualitative analysis of Emirati nursing students' experiences and learning outcomes during intensive care unit clinical placements.

Article Title: Experiences of Emirati nursing students during intensive care unit clinical placements: A qualitative descriptive study

Article References: Anshasi, H., Al-Sutari, M., Obeidat, R., Almurshid, H., Alsuwaidi, M., Fahad, S., Rashed, M. A., & Ali, M. N. (2026). Experiences of Emirati nursing students during intensive care unit clinical placements: A qualitative descriptive study. BMC Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-026-05589-6

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s12912-026-05589-6

Keywords: Nursing Education, ICU Clinical Placements, Emirati Students, Qualitative Research, Clinical Competence, Emotional Resilience, Experiential Learning, BMC Nursing, Experiences, Emirati, nursing, students