Nursing Students’ Perception of the Clinical Learning Environment

Background: The clinical learning environment (CLE) plays a vital role in students’ learning in clinical settings. However, to our knowledge, no longitudinal cohort studies have been published on how CLE influences nursing students’ learning during clinical placements. Purpose: This study investigated a cohort of nursing students’ perceptions of CLE during their first and third-year clinical placements. Methods: The clinical learning environment inventory (CLEI) questionnaire was used in this study. In 2021, a convenience sample of 450 first-year nursing students was invited to complete the CLEI questionnaire. In 2023, the same cohort of students in their third year of study were invited to complete the questionnaire. Results: Personalization, satisfaction, and task orientation had higher mean scores than the other CLEI subscales. The lowest mean scores were found for the teaching innovation and individualization subscales. Multiple regression and bivariate correlation analyses revealed task orientation as the strongest predictor of student satisfaction with the CLE. Conclusions: Nursing students in Singapore have a moderately positive satisfaction with their CLE. Clinical instructors should design innovative lesson plans to improve the student experience and learning in the CLE.