Introduction

: Self-efficacy is an important capability of nursing students that allows them to navigate stressful situations typical of their training process; thus, this study's objective is to describe the perception of the self-efficacy of nursing students based on their experience prior to the start of clinical practices.

Materials and methods

: Phenomenological qualitative research. Data collection with focus groups, interviews, non-participant observation, and field notes.

Results

: Students perceived that their self-efficacy is influenced by their autonomy to communicate their thoughts to others, decide and choose, their social connections with family, peers, and teachers, and their self-perception of academic, clinical, and self-esteem.

Conclusion

: Academic spaces that promote positive feedback, social connection, self-esteem, and, thus, the perception of competence, should be introduced into nursing curricula prior to the start of clinical practices, strengthening academic self-efficacy.

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