Reflections and Learning

Recognizing varied and real life community learning experiences of students are necessary as they are continuously deployed by the College of Nursing of Benguet State University for immersion to different placements. A case study was used as the research approach for this endeavor. Fifty-two reflective journals were reviewed and twenty-two student nurses participated in the study. Participant reflective journal reviews, observations, and focus group discussions were used as data collection methods. Using thematic analysis, four themes emerged from the students’ descriptions of their learning experiences: (1) unforgettable experiences: being with people; (2) facing challenges; (3) contributions to self and to the community; and (4) impacts on their lives. Real community health experiences of students should be treasured in nursing education. These can help identify better strategies in improving community learning experiences. This study; thus, hopes to provide further evidence-based indications for policy development to guide support networks working with and for grassroots community stakeholders.