Nursing students' caring practices in caring for LGBTQIA+ patients in a hospital setting

Background: LGBTQIA+ communities continue to experience health disparities due to discrimination, invisibility within healthcare systems, and a shortage of culturally competent nurses. Nursing students are often underprepared to meet the unique needs of this population, as nurse educators may lack adequate training, and curricula frequently omit comprehensive LGBTQIA+ content. Purpose: This study explored and described nursing students' caring practices for LGBTQIA+ patients in a hospital setting, with the aim of informing recommendations to foster inclusive nursing education and practice. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive, multisite research design was employed. Sixteen undergraduate nursing students from a nursing education institution participated in semi-structured interviews lasting 45–60 min. Purposive sampling ensured a range of academic years and backgrounds. Results: Three themes were generated from the data: (1) Students demonstrated a commitment to inclusive care, striving to create supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ patients; (2) Personal biases and a lack of exposure hindered compassionate care, highlighting the need for ongoing education and self-reflection; (3) Significant knowledge and skills gaps limited students' preparedness, demonstrating the urgent need for enhanced training on LGBTQIA+ health related content. Conclusion: Nursing students play a pivotal role in advancing inclusive care for LGBTQIA+ patients, families, and communities, yet gaps in education, training, and self-awareness persist. Integrating comprehensive LGBTQIA+ content and cultural competence training into nursing curricula is essential to prepare future nurses to deliver equitable, affirming care and foster a more inclusive healthcare system.