Emotional labour behavior of nursing students: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the opinions of nursing students on emotional labor behavior. Background: It is of importance to teach emotional labor behavior to nursing students, the nurses of the future. Design: The research has a phenomenological qualitative design. Method: Participants consisted of 20 nursing students who were in face-to-face communication with patients in clinical practice. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) was used to report this research. Results: Considering the theoretical structure of the subject, emotional labor behavior was examined under three main themes: surface acting, deep acting, and genuine acting. Conclusions: Emotional labor behavior affects students’ approach to patients and performance in clinical practice. Education has a supportive effect on the management of emotions and the guidance of the clinical environment and clinical services.