Clinical learning environment and supervision of student nurses' in a private nursing college : a cross sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: it is in my view that nursing education relates to the process of teaching and learning, given by nurse educators and clinical facilitators to nursing students. The teaching and learning process is conducted in a special Clinical Environment (CLE) entailing theoretical and practical learning. In addition to the teaching personnel, the clinical facilitators are responsible for placement of students in positive learning facilities for practical orientation in the clinical learning outcomes. It is these interactive processes that determine the state of readiness of the students in regards to their suitable attitudes required to provide nursing care. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study is to describe nursing students’ experiences of clinical learning and clinical supervision at a private nursing college in eThekwini, in order to achieve improvements. METHODOLOGY: This study is influenced and guided by the quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey. It was done among student nurses (n = 120) at a private nursing college in eThekwini which offers the bridging course leading to registration as a Registered Nurse (R683) (South African Nursing Council 2006). In this study, data was gathered using the Clinical Learning Environment and Supervision (CLES) questionnaire developed by Mikko Saarikoski (2002), and it was analyzed by means of IBM SPSS statistics version 21. RESULTS: According to the study a general consensus has provided meaningful situations in the clinical learning environment. The clinical managers should give feedback to student nurses as it enhances their learning process. DISCUSSIONS: Findings in this study revealed that most participants were motivated and optimistic, and according to them, there was a positive clinical atmosphere; which is the most important features of a good clinical environment. RECOMMENDATIONS: It is encouraged that the clinical facilitators make more visits to the wards where the students are allocated for greater learning ability by the students. Professional nurses in the wards are to create a positive learning environment and use the presence of the students to maintain trust and prevent confusion.