title: Dynamics of self-directed learning in M.Sc. nursing students: A qualitative research.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Working in the complex and ever changing healthcare settings forces the nurses and nursing students to be equipped with lifelong learning skills. One of the lifelong learning skills is self-directed learning. This study aimed to explore the M.Sc. nursing students' self-directed learning activities.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative design using conventional content analysis approach was used in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve Iranian M.Sc. nursing students who were selected using purposive sampling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data analysis indicated that the M.Sc. nursing students performed different activities in their self-directed learning. These activities were categorized into four main themes and ten subthemes. The main themes were "sensory perceptions", "knowledge construction", "problem-centered orientation", and "interaction with others".
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to the findings, the M.Sc. nursing students performed different intellectual and experiential self-directed activities for promoting their learning. Besides, the students' perseverance and inquisitiveness played an important role in their self-directed learning in the challenging clinical environments.
authors.affiliation: Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Fatemeh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Shirazi
authors.affiliation: Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Farkhondeh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sharif
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Molazem
authors.affiliation: Department of Foundations of Education, College of Education and Psychology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Mahboobeh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alborzi
keywords:  Nursing student;  Qualitative study ; Self-directed learning 