Between symphony and jungle: Nursing students’ metaphorical representations of teamwork

Aim: To explore undergraduate nursing students’ perceptions of teamwork through metaphor analysis and discuss the implications for nursing education and collaborative practice. Background: Teamwork is a core competency in nursing education; yet, little is known about how students conceptualise it and how these perceptions shape their readiness for practice. Design: Qualitative descriptive study. Methods: The study was conducted with 68 undergraduate nursing students from Brazil. Data were collected between March 10 and 31, 2026, through an online survey where students were invited to describe teamwork using metaphors. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, supported by Conceptual Metaphor Theory. Results: Three interrelated themes were identified: (1) Functional and systemic integration: the team as a mechanism; (2) Harmonisation and coordinated leadership: the team as a performance; and (3) Identity, connection and livelihood: the team as a foundation, a shield and a means of survival. These metaphors suggest that students simultaneously conceptualise teamwork as a structured system, a coordinated practice and a source of both support and emotional demand. Conclusions: Undergraduate nursing students develop an early, complex understanding of teamwork that in tegrates technical, relational and emotional dimensions. While this may reflect the effectiveness of educational approaches in fostering teamwork, care coordination and patient safety, metaphors associated with stress and undervaluation may suggest a need to address the emotional and psychosocial dimensions of teamwork within nursing curricula.