Operating Room Nurses' Perceptions of the Clinical Learning Environment: A Survey Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Learning Environments
• Operating Room Nursing

Background:

• The clinical learning environment is crucial for student learning.
• Limited research exists on operating room nurses' perceptions of their specialist education's clinical learning environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate newly graduated operating room nurses' perceptions of their clinical learning environment during specialist education.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 50 newly graduated operating room nurses.
• Data collected focused on perceptions of the clinical education experience.

Main Results:

• Most nurses perceived the clinical learning environment positively.
• Positive perceptions were strongly linked to supervisor competence, engagement, and interest in student projects.
• Effective management support, including dedicated supervision time and university-hospital cooperation, positively impacted the environment.

Conclusions:

• Social dynamics and organizational structures within the operating room are key determinants of the perceived clinical learning environment.
• Effective supervision and supportive management are vital for a positive learning experience for specialist nursing students.