An exploration of student nurses’ experiences and development in non-judgementality, through the analysis of the learning of sexuality in preparatory adult nurse education

Background
This research explores student nurses’ understanding of non-judgementality, their experiences and their ability to be non-judgemental and tolerant of the diversity in sexuality and nursing.
The researcher wanted to know how teachers can develop nurses who meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) expectations of non-judgementality in relation to sexuality (NMC, 2015, updated 2018). The study was conducted after the introduction of a module on sexuality for a cohort of second-year nursing undergraduates at a higher education institution in England. The two-week module on sexuality and nursing was developed and implemented for an undergraduate year. It comprised two taught days of theory and discussion, online reading and multiple-choice assessment. Its aim was to increase awareness in nursing students of the importance of patients’ sexuality to their emotional and physical health and to encourage discussion on any anxieties surrounding the subject area. In this study, student nurse participants were asked to join an online discussion group during the teaching, and then, whilst in clinical placement, to complete a digital diary.
Methodology
A pluralistic methodology was used that incorporated narrative and psychodynamic theories.
Data collection
In 2016/17, 27 students were recruited to participate in the study. A range of methods were used to collect data: online discussion groups, digital diaries and face-to-face interviews. Three groups participated in online discussions: Group 2 had two participants and Group 3 five, whilst Group 5 had no participants. As a result, only two groups of data were obtained. Eight digital diaries were completed and three interviews conducted.
Data analysis
Data were analysed using the narrative theories of Labov and Braun and Clarke and the psychodynamic theory of Michael Balint.
Findings
This research reveals the experiences of student nurses in becoming non-judgemental when caring for patients and their sexuality. I will describe several factors that constrain and enable this journey:
1. Student nurses’ own backgrounds, which are diverse, shape how they meet/deal with the challenge.
2. Student nurses observe/witness judgemental practices towards sexuality in their mentors and other nurses that challenge their own, developing non-judgementality.
3. These experiences raise emotional challenges for the student nurse and their development towards non-judgementality.