A comparison of student and faculty perceptions of clinical post-conference learning environment

The purpose of this study was to repeat a study by Letizia and Jennrich that described and compared perceptions of the clinical post-conference learning environment of undergraduate baccalaureate student nurses (BSN) and faculty. The Clinical Post-Conference Learning Environment Survey (CPCLES) was sent electronically to all traditional and accelerated BSN students and faculty; 178 usable responses were returned. Both faculty and students perceived the environmental characteristics captured by the CPCLES were important, but were used less than expected (p<0.025). No differences were found between faculty and students in perceptions of importance and actual use of the post-conference learning environment. Results showed highest scores for the subscale Teacher Support for both faculty and students. Lowest scores were received for Innovation. The results suggest the important role faculty has in supporting students' efforts to understand and find meaning in clinical experiences. Post-conference learning experiences could be enriched by faculty efforts to increase active learning strategies and innovative experiences. Further research is needed to determine effectiveness of new approaches to the post-conference in facilitating clinical reasoning among student nurses, and promote students' ability to provide safe, high-quality care.