Exploring nursing students’ experience of peer learning in clinical practice

Peer learning is an educational process wherein someone of the same age or level of experience level interacts with other students interested in the same topic. There is limited evidence specifically focusing on the practical use of peer learning in Iran. The aim of this study was to explore nursing students’ experiences of peer learning in clinical practice.

A qualitative content analysis was conducted. Focus groups were used to find the students’ experiences about peer learning. Twenty‑eight baccalaureate nursing students at Bushehr University of Medical Sciences were selected purposively, and were arranged in four groups of seven students each. The focus group interviews were conducted using a semi‑structured interview schedule. All interviews were tape‑recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using conventional content analysis method.

The analysis identified four themes: Paradoxical dualism, peer exploitation, first learning efficacy, and socialization practice. Gained advantages and perceived disadvantages created paradoxical dualism, and peer exploitation resulted from peer selection and peer training.

Nursing students reported general satisfaction concerning peer learning due to much more in‑depth learning with little stress than conventional learning methods. Peer learning is a useful method for nursing students for practicing educational leadership and learning the clinical skills before they get a job.