DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Clinical learning is central to nursing education, but in Pakistan, especially in underserved region like Peshawar, systematic challenges often compromised the quality and consistency of clinical instruction.
Objective: The study aimed to assess nursing intern’s perception of their clinical learning environment in tertiary care hospital of Peshawar, Pakistan. It also sought to identify how demographic factors such as gender, qualification, institution type, and ward placement influence perception across multiple domains of clinical instruction and support.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was carried out involving 169 final-years nursing interns’. Data were gathered using validated questionnaire student clinical learning culture survey (SCLCS), and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, independent t test via SPSS version 30.
Results: Overall, the finding revealed generally positive perception of the clinical learning environment among nursing interns. The highest rated items were “Efforts in wards” (Mean=4.2, SD=0.8), “pay attention to others (Mean 4.1, SD=0.8)”, and “Nurse goes out of way” (Mean=4.1 SD=0.8), indicating appreciation for staff efforts and inter professional support. Conversely, negatively famed items such “placement I waste of time” (Mean=2.0, SD=1.0), Placement is boring “(Mean=2.3 SD=1.2) and “nurses unfriendly” (Mean=2.3, SD=1.2 shows dissatisfactions among a subset of internees. Chi square analysis found significant association between demographic factors and perception. For instance, qualification, level was associated with perception of emotion support χ²=11.34, p=0.023), and government institution interns reported clearer ward assignment χ²=6.11, p=0.047). Independent t test indicated females rated “look forwarded to placement higher than males (Mean3.9 vs 3.6, p=0.035), reflecting greater anticipation and engagement among females interns.”