Effective Clinical Learning Environment as Perceived by Nursing Students at AL Dawadmi, Applied Medical Sciences college: Actual versus Preferred Characteristics

Abstract

It is widely accepted that clinical placements are a vital part of the education of undergraduate nursing students. A supportive clinical learning environment is very important for the transfer of learning in a clinical context. This study aimed to describe and compare the actual and preferred characteristics of effective clinical learning environment as perceived by undergraduate nursing students. A convenience sample of 75 nursing students affiliated to the nursing department in ALDawadmi Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, female branch, Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia, was included. Data were collected by using the Clinical Learning Environment Inventory (CLEI). The results of the present study revealed that satisfaction subscale was perceived by undergraduate nursing students as the most important actual and preferred characteristic of effective clinical learning environment. Also individualization subscale was perceived by nursing students as the least important domain in both the actual and preferred form. The study recommended that work based assessment plays an important role in the education process, so it is necessary to assess the learning environment from different perceptions and collaboration between the nursing education institutions and health care agencies is essential to ensure the availability of effective clinical learning environment, which meet the needs of undergraduate nursing students.