Italian nursing students' perception of their clinical learning environment as measured with the CLEI tool

The quality of clinical learning environment is an important factor for nursing students' clinical experience and it is determined above all by a good atmosphere in the ward. The Clinical Environment Inventory (CLEI) has been developed to evaluate clinical learning environments. The CLEI has been found to be homogeneous and its validity has been established in several countries (Australia, England and China).

An exploratory study about Italian nursing students' perceptions of their learning environment was carried out using Chan's Clinical Learning Environment Inventory. The CLEI was translated into Italian and administered to 232 students from three levels of the nursing program in Trento hospital. The tool was administered after they finished the clinical placements.

All of the questionnaires distributed were returned completed. The students overall perceived their clinical learning environment as good. Third year's students were extremely satisfied (94%) with activities done on the ward, while second year's students reported less satisfaction (88%). All the students (99%) agreed that practical work experience was useful and not a waste of time.

This study shows that Italian nursing students have a positive perception of the clinical learning environment, although there remains room for improvement.