Nursing students' perceptions of using smartphones in the community practicum: A qualitative study

Smartphones have the potential to revolutionize the way in which nurses practice by facilitating access to evidence-based resources, however their integration in nursing practice remain variable. Millennials tend to be more comfortable with technology, yet find themselves limited in their ability to use smartphones within the context of clinical practice. Using a qualitative descriptive design, we explored nursing students' perceptions of using smartphones in the community practicum. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted and verbatim transcripts were subjected to data analysis. The sample consisted of 8 undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling strategy. Students' narratives describe unclear expectations regarding the use of smartphones that force them to adopt individualized strategies to maintain their professional image and avoid negative consequences. A cultural shift will be required at the academic and organizational levels if we are to foster acceptance of smartphones in community practice going forward. •Students describe poor contextual clarity with smartphone use in community settings.•Poor contextual clarity is characterized by inconsistent rules and expectation.•Students use individualized adaptation strategies to maintain a professional image.•Students internalize restrictive policies, stereotypes, and fear of negative consequences.•Tech-friendly settings promote engagement, accountability, and favorable outcomes.