Modifiable factors contributing to belongingness of undergraduate nursing students in the clinical learning environment: An exploratory study

Abstract

BackgroundBelongingness has been tied to positive personal and educational outcomes in undergraduate nursing students in the clinical learning environment, but there is limited literature on specific factors that promote these important feelings of acceptance and value alignment. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess demographic characteristics, program/clinical structure factors, and modifiable clinical setting factors that may impact feelings of belongingness in U.S. undergraduate nursing students in the clinical learning environment. DesignA cross-sectional survey design was used to assess the relationship between demographics, program/clinical structure factors, and modifiable clinical setting factors and levels of belongingness using the U.S. version of the Belongingness Scale – Clinical Placement Experience. SettingA national study was conducted via the National Student Nurses Association database from December 2022 to January 2023. Participants759 volunteer undergraduate nursing students in the U.S. who had completed at least one clinical course. MethodsAn online survey was disseminated to assess demographic factors, program/clinical structure factors, students’ perceptions on the frequency of occurrence and perceived value of modifiable clinical setting factors (including clinical format, clinical site, relationship and interpersonal, and miscellaneous factors), and to measure levels of belongingness experienced. ResultsBivariate analyses revealed one statistically significant program/clinical structure factor (p <.001) and 10 statistically significant modifiable clinical setting factors (p <.001) that contribute to belongingness. The findings also support the use of the U.S. version of the BES-CPE as a reliable and valid instrument. ConclusionsResults demonstrate the importance of fostering belongingness in undergraduate nursing students in the clinical learning environment and, for the first time, extrapolate qualitative findings from the literature into the identification of factors that contribute to these critical feelings of inclusion. There are immediate implications for nursing educators and a rich foundation for future intervention research is proposed.