A generation at risk: the unseen consequences of Nepal’s nursing shortage on undergraduate nursing students clinical education

The nursing shortage in Nepal has created a challenging and often isolating clinical learning environment (CLE) for students. While their resilience and adaptability are commendable, these qualities are not substitutes for nurse staffing shortages and inadequate mentorship. This study underscores the urgent need for systemic change, including increased investment in the nursing workforce, cultivating a supportive learning environment, and integrating technology into nursing education. These findings have implications for Nepal and other resource-constrained settings grappling with the challenges of a nursing shortage.