Table 3 Narrative examples of categories within the data set

Perception and Appraisal of Events

 Epiphany and inspiration

"I just feel that I am still inspired to have some new perspectives on this profession."-P8

 Savoring

"Writing a diary during the clinical placement is actually a good way to record and remember, which gives me the strength to keep going."-P10

 Self-efficacy

"Although I don't like the nursing profession right now, I think I'll grow to like it over these four years and I think I can do well with it."-P1

Internal drive

 Contribution and sense of mission

"Participating in community clinics as well as AIDS prevention charity activities, etc., is doing something like, just not knowing what's good for anyone, but doing something meaningful."-P20

 Faith

"The faith in this profession makes me feel that since I have chosen to nurse, I am able to serve this health in the future, even if I don't work in this field in the future, but I still have to learn it solidly when I do."-P13

 Intrinsic rewards

"I particularly enjoyed my clinical placement in a department with a good atmosphere; the division of tasks in the department was also particularly well-defined and I felt autonomous."-P12

 Self-expansion

"I've grown quickly in these four years, and at every stage, I was the one who tried what I thought was impossible as well as what was a novelty."-P4

Self-representation

 Self-compassion

"It's just a self-assurance that everyone thought a final review was hard and it wasn't just me. So I will let myself take my time and not rush."-P9

 Self-identify

"After participating in a nursing research group, I took it upon myself to carry out, something like a literature search, and for the first time, I felt a sense of identity and pride in the profession."-P15

Situation-relevant Correspondences and Outcomes

 Accomplishments

"The Neurological Intensive Care Unit was one of the departments where I gained the most. For example, my nursing skills have gotten a qualitative leap, and I remember that the first IV Catheter and the first aspiration of my life were completed in that department, so I feel a sense of achievement."-P19

 Resilience

"With the death of the patient, and the influence of COVID-19, I feel a heavy workload, but I think I'm pretty resilient and will self-regulate."-P11

 Intentional self-regulation

"I had a foolproof plan for student associations and studies because there were a lot of major courses offered in my junior year; I dropped all the associations because I wanted to focus on one thing, that is, one thing at a time."-P7

Social Support

 Family

"When I encountered setbacks and difficulties in my studies and life, my parents would encourage me and give me advice, reassuring me that ' to cross that bridge when I come to it'."-P4

 Schoolmate and peer

"When I was very tired from my internship, chatting with my friends, I would feel a force that just supported me."-P16

 Special others

"That time was actually in a very intense revision rushing stage. It was a cold winter day, I was studying on campus, and then a strange girl suddenly appeared in front of me and gave me a few candies, and then told me to cheer up for my final exam."-P3

 Supervisors

"My mentor's professional help and advice helped to dispel my fears and self-doubt during my clinical placement."-P2

 Material support

"No financial worries; Get a scholarship"-P3, P18

Relational Attitudes

 Attachment security

"I could share everything with my father and I would not feel bored at home during the COVID-19 outbreak. Actually, I was very comfortable and relaxed at home during the quarantine."-P6

 Relational self-expansion

"I was deeply influenced by the personality of my surgical nursing lecturer. Those insights and interaction with others, I would learn and imitate in my mind."-P17

 Concentration

"When I'm very concentrated on learning, it's very efficient and I also feel like, that' s awesome."-P14

 Lifestyle

"Being close to nature and exercising regularly will make me feel comfortable and relaxed, like more optimistic."-P5