Experiences of nursing students on the caring behavior of their instructors: A qualitative study

Background: Compassion and empathy form the bedrock of nursing, essential for sincere and integral healthcare practice. This study delves into the multifaceted dimensions of caring in nursing, exploring its physical and emotional aspects. Nursing instructors are pivotal in infusing active learning strategies that cultivate caring behaviors among students, preparing them for healthcare's technical and compassionate aspects. Positive interactions between instructors and students impact students' academic performance and personal development by creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment, fostering openness to constructive feedback, building students' self-esteem and confidence, and helping them manage academic stresses and anxieties. Aim: The study explored Kazakh nursing students' experiences regarding their instructors' caring behavior. Design: Exploratory qualitative research using a thematic approach. Setting: A university situated in Astana, Kazakhstan. Participants: Eleven (11) Kazakh nursing students. Methods: This study utilized purposive sampling to collect data from Kazakh nursing students from January to March 2024. The researcher adhered to ethical guidelines and ensured the rigor and trustworthiness of the study. The data were analyzed using the thematic approach. Result: One hundred fifty-nine initial codes were identified, and after the codes were grouped and categorized, ten subthemes and four major themes were developed. The four major themes are Caring Creates a Supportive and Inclusive Environment for Learning, Caring Qualities of an Instructor, Caring is Cultural in Nature, and Negative Consequences of an Instructor's Over-Caring. Conclusion: According to nursing students' experience, instructors' caring behavior is crucial in maintaining the student-teacher relationship and motivating and collaborating. On the other hand, overly caring may lead to irresponsibility, impaired personal development, and disrespect from students toward instructors.