Background: Nursing as a practice-based profession requires that student nurses learn how to become professional in the clinical environment. Many studies have addressed student nurses' clinical learning and related problems, but few have explored the whole clinical experience of being a student nurse. Aim: To understand and gain deeper insight into Iranian student nurses' lived experience of clinical placement. Method: Five student nurses were interviewed about their clinical experience during clinical placement. The researchers analysed the verbatim transcripts using van Manen's phenomenological methodology, keeping in mind the recommended six research activities. Findings: Five themes emerged by which the phenomenon of clinical experience could be illustrated. These themes were: caring-orientated relationships, attractive aspects of clinical experience, finding oneself in the clinical milieu, being supportive to classmates, and actualizing potential. Fourteen subthemes expanded and clarified the meaning of these themes. Conclusion: The attention paid and acknowledgement given to 'caring' and 'knowledge' by the student nurses showed that they are progressing toward their ultimate goal of being professional nurses. The student nurses' awareness of 'what is going on there?' and also support from other significant people facilitates the students' adaptation process and guarantees this progress. © 2005 International Council of Nurses.