How do clinical learning environments and nurse preceptor competencies affect nursing students' clinical performance...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Professional Development
• Clinical Skills Acquisition

Background:

• Student nurses' clinical performance self-efficacy is vital for effective patient care.
• The clinical learning environment and nurse preceptor competencies are recognized as key influences on student development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of the clinical learning environment and nurse preceptor competencies on nursing students' clinical performance self-efficacy.

Main Methods:

• An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed.
• Quantitative data were collected from 411 nursing students using validated scales.
• Qualitative data were gathered from 14 students through focus group interviews.

Main Results:

• A positive correlation was found between the clinical learning environment, nurse preceptor competencies, and students' clinical performance self-efficacy.
• Students reported that supportive environments enhanced professional development, while poor conditions and misaligned learning negatively impacted their progress.

Conclusions:

• Both the clinical learning environment and nurse preceptor competence are significant determinants of nursing students' clinical performance self-efficacy.
• Creating supportive learning environments and supporting preceptor development are essential for student success.