Determinants of Clinical Learning Environment: Evidence from BScN Students in Selected Public Universities in Kenya

Abstract

Background: A constructive clinical learning environment (CLE) with a focus on student learning needs is vital for nursing education. Understanding the features of a healthy CLE for under graduate nursing students continues to be a challenge for healthcare organizations and educators in application of theory to practice. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the determinants of the clinical learning environment as perceived by BScN students in selected public universities in Kenya Methods: A descriptive quantitative cross-sectional design was employed where data was collected from consenting participants from two selected public universities in Kenya, using a pre-tested modified clinical learning environment inventory tool. The target population comprised of 125 fourth-year Bachelor of Science nursing students. The census technique will be used in this study. Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS version 27 for frequencies mean and percentages then presented using tables, charts, and graphs Results: The findings indicate that ward leadership style had a significant influence on clinical learning environment (F = 9.09; t = 3.63; p = 0.000 <0.05), ward culture had an influence on the clinical learning environment (F = 8.46; t = 10.76; p = 0.000 <0.05) and supervisory relationship influenced clinical learning environment (F = 1.13; t = 1.98; p = 0.020 <0.05) Conclusions: Ward leadership style, positive ward culture and supervisory relationships can foster a supportive clinical learning environment Recommendations: Strengthening leadership support for students while creating a supportive learning environment that promotes and maintain a collaborative learning culture is needed