RESUMO
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of nursing college students who attended delivery practices at midwifery clinic. METHODS: This was a qualitative study using focus groups. Data were collected by group interviews with a total of 12 students who observed natural childbirth at midwifery clinic. Data were analyzed through Colaizzi's method in which meaningful statements were extracted. RESULTS: The meanings of experiences were identified five theme clusters from thirteen themes and thirty-one sub-themes. The five theme clusters were 'ultimate process of natural childbirth', 'allowed birth', 'role recognition of the midwife', 'positively changed perception', and 'barriers'. CONCLUSION: This study showed that observation of delivery at midwifery clinic was helpful for nursing students in terms of positive impression about natural childbirth with maternal and baby being centered. Nursing students expressed value and concern about delivery at midwifery clinic. Further in-depth study of natural childbirth in terms of husband and family perspective is required. For quality improvement of maternity nursing care, natural childbirth process needs to be included in nursing care at hospitals as well as students' clinical practicum.