Experiences of healthcare students and the challenges posed by their clinical learning environment

Design: The current study utilized a cross-sectional research design.

Methods: A sample of 259 students was selected through convenience sampling, comprising 127 student nurses and 132 paramedic students. An adapted self-administered questionnaire, the Clinical Learning Environment Supervision and Nurse Teacher (CLES+T) evaluation scale was used to collect data, with the permission of the author. Socio-demographic characteristics were shown in the form of frequency and percentages. Findings concerning the evaluation of clinical learning were calculated in the context of descriptive statistical analysis, such as mean and standard deviation. An independent sample t-test was applied to compare the findings.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 21.39 years, of whom 60 (61.8%) were male and 99 (32.2%) were female. The highest mean score (3.87 ± 0.77) was awarded to Nursing Care Provided on the Ward, while the lowest mean score was achieved for Supervisory Relationships on the Ward (3.71 ± 0.84).

Conclusion: The study showed overall satisfaction with the clinical environment. Male and paramedic students were least satisfied. Considerable improvement is needed in the context of Pedagogical Atmosphere and Supervisory Relationships on the ward.