Table 1 Rigour of this research

Credibility

 - To increase the familiarity of the research topics and settings, the attempt was made to consider the contextual backgrounds in which the research was taking place.

 - Through theoretical sampling and memoing, the research achieved theoretical saturation with sufficient data.

 - Throughout the theoretical coding using constant comparisons, the research was able to identify the relationships between the categories that emerged.

 - A systematic process was adopted to analyse data as well as minimise translational limitations, to ensure credibility.

Originality

 - In the light of CGT methodological techniques, this research was able to discover new categories and theoretical frameworks concerning nursing students’ learning absent from earlier work.

 - The originality of new findings was confirmed during literature reviews.

Resonance

 - As theoretical saturation was achieved, the researchers believe the students’ experience of nursing education in Korea was sufficiently explained.

 - A series of four interview stages was conducted to define taken-for-granted meanings on the participants’ part.

 - The research was carried out with the full cooperation of participants, who examined the findings and then independently confirmed the findings (i.e., member-checking).

Usefulness

 - The research findings were grounded in the data collected.

 - It included both the participants’ general and specific experiences of nursing education. Thus, it is expected that the findings are practical and can be applied to improve nursing education.

 - However, further studies will be required to confirm the findings because of the originality of the present research.