Challenges Encounter by Nursing Clinical Instructors During Clinical Training: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Nursing clinical instructors are instrumental in shaping the future nursing workforce through mentorship and practical instruction in healthcare settings. However, these educators frequently encounter significant challenges that impact their ability to guide and support nursing students effectively. Despite the critical role of clinical instructors, there is limited research exploring these challenges from the perspective of clinical instructors in Jordan. This descriptive phenomenology qualitative study aimed to explore the challenges encountered by clinical instructors in clinical settings in the South of Jordan to facilitate clinical learning. Focus groups were employed to gain insights into clinical instructors’ challenges in clinical settings. Sixteen full-time clinical nurse instructors were recruited from the nursing college. Each session lasted 50 to 70 min, and the data transcripts were analyzed by using qualitative thematic analysis. Three major themes emerged from the data: (1) Lack of resources, including inadequate infrastructure and teaching materials; (2) Learner-related challenges, such as insufficient student preparedness and engagement; and (3) Institutional policies and regulations, which often conflicted with clinical teaching needs and created administrative burdens. These challenges collectively hindered the instructors’ ability to provide high-quality clinical education and maintain effective relationships with clinical staff.The results draw attention to contextual and structural obstacles that clinical nursing education in Jordan faces. Improving the quality of nursing education and preparing students for their professional duties require addressing these issues through focused policy reforms, increased resource allocation, and clinical instructor professional development programs.