Factors Influencing Nursing Student Learning During Clinical Placements: A Modified Delphi Study

Abstract

Background: Factors identified as important to nursing student clinical learning include the environment, the clinical facilitator, and student human factors. Method: A modified Delphi study generated clinical nurse educators’ expert consensus of the importance of factors that influence student learning during clinical placements. Short-answer questions exploring facilitation of learning were also provided. Results: Thirty-four nurse educators participated in the first round, and 17 nurse educators participated in the second round. Final consensus of at least 80% agreement was reached for all factors. Enablers of student learning included a positive workplace culture, student attitude, and clear communication between facilitator and student. Barriers to student learning included lack of time for teaching, short placement duration, and poor student and facilitator attitude. Conclusion: Further investigation is needed on how these factors are addressed during placements including a review of the quality of resources provided to students and clinical facilitators for student learning.