Development of the Clinical Learning Environment Inventory: Using the Theoretical Framework of Learning Environment Studies to Assess Nursing Students' Perceptions of the Hospital as a Learning Environment

Abstract

Clinical learning is an integral part of nursing education; yet, clinical education has been problematic. Why are some clinical experiences better than others? Various studies have indicated that not all practice settings are able to provide student nurses with a positive learning environment. The clinical learning environment is a multidimensional entity with a complex social context. Classroom learning environment research based on psychosocial educational conceptual frameworks has been well established in the past 30 years, with evidential benefits. Previous research on clinical learning environment was examined. However, minimal studies have been conducted on hospital learning environments from the psychosocial educational perspective. To maximize nursing students' clinical learning experiences, the author developed the Clinical Learning Environment Inventory based on the theoretical framework in psychosocial education.