Perceptions of student nurses of their personal and academic development during placement in the community as a clinical learning environment.

Abstract

A descriptive survey was conducted to investigate the perceptions of student nurses about the community as a clinical learning environment. Thirty nine students (21 second years and 18 third years) participated in the study. A seven-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to obtain data on how nursing students perceived the community as a clinical learning environment in facilitating their personal and academic development. The questionnaire items were categorised according to (a) independence on learning, (b) opportunities for learning, (c) peer support, (d) organisational support, (e) quality of supervision, (f) role clarity, and (g) satisfaction with chosen career.