Community health learning experiences that influence RN to BSN students interests in community/public health nursing

AbstractBackgroundAs a result of national initiatives reforming the United States’ healthcare delivery system, nurse education must emphasize population health and wellness outside of acute care facilities. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs implement innovative strategies and partnerships to provide students with community health clinical experiences to learn the professional practice role of the Community/Public Health (C/PH) nurse. This qualitative research explored the community health learning experiences that influenced postlicense nursing students’ interests in a professional role change—from an acute care hospital setting to a community health setting.MethodsData collection, analysis, and dissemination methods found in basic qualitative research designs were used in this study. A purposive sample of Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN students (N = 15) completed semi‐structured interviews.FindingsRN to BSN students sought a professional role change from a hospital to a community‐based setting after favorable community health learning experiences that included (a) a supportive C/PH nurse preceptor, (b) identification of desirable nurse role characteristics, (c) special l