Correlation analysis on clinical learning environment and stress among nursing students during initial period of clinical practice

Abstract

Objective To explore the status of clinical learning environment and stress among nursing students during initial period of clinical practice and analyze the correlation between them. Methods With purpose sampling method, 219 nursing students, who did rotating practice in eight departments of Beijing Electric Power Hospital of State Grid from July 2015 to February 2016 were selected and surveyed by clinical learning environment assessment scale and practice stress scale. Results The nursing students' assessment on clinical learning environment was (172.99±19.36) points, and the average score of entries was (4.12±0.51) . Scores of various dimensions with a descending order were: interpersonal relationship (4.31±0.50) , working environment and teamwork spirit (4.25±0.50) , task orientation (4.23±0.47) , innovation (4.11±0.52) , students' involvement (4.06±0.51) , and individuality (3.51±0.86) . Scores of the nursing students' perceived stress during initial period of practice were (31.89±13.94) points, with average score of (1.10±0.48) . Scores of stress sources with a descending order were: lack of professional knowledge and skills (1.44±0.61) points, taking care of patients (1.33±0.55) , assignments and workload (1.19±0.60) , clinical environment (0.93±0.52) , clinical teachers (0.88±0.53) , and companions and daily life (0.75±0.55) . Perceived stress had a negative correlation with learning environment (r=-0.160, P<0.05) . Conclusions The more satisfied to the clinical learning environment, the less stress the students perceive; it is recommended that students' learning environment should be improved, so as to relieve their perceived stress during clinical practice and improve quality of nursing education. Key words: Students, nursing; Pressure; Clinical practice; Learning environment; Initial period of practice