EVALUATING UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS’ SATISFACTION WITH CLINICAL EXPOSURE AND ACADEMIC LEARNING

Background: This study aimed to assess the satisfaction levels of undergraduate nursing students regarding their clinical and academic experiences at the University of Lahore. Satisfaction is a key indicator of education quality, influencing academic performance, motivation, and professional preparedness. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, involving 73 fourth-year nursing students selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of 22 items on a Likert scale to measure satisfaction levels. Results: The findings showed that 54.4% of students reported average academic satisfaction, while 32.9% expressed high satisfaction and 12.3% reported low satisfaction. In clinical experiences, 47.9% reported average satisfaction, 28.8% had high satisfaction, and 23.3% expressed low satisfaction. Key factors contributing to satisfaction included accessible faculty, clear guidance, and opportunities for hands-on learning. Dissatisfaction was linked to limited feedback, and insufficient opportunities for independent practice. Demographically, the majority of participants were aged 20–25 years, with 57.5% male and 74% having prior healthcare experience. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for improved feedback systems, structured mentorship programs, and enhanced resource allocation to elevate satisfaction levels. These findings provide actionable insights to enhance nursing education quality and better prepare students for professional roles.