Exploring The Clinical Learning Environment: Perceptions and Challenges of Nursing Students in Kancheepuram District

Abstract The clinical learning environment (CLE) plays a crucial role in the education and professional development of nursing students by integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical practice. However, various challenges, including clinical anxiety, inadequate mentorship, resource constraints, and gaps between theory and practice, can hinder learning outcomes. This study explores the clinical learning experiences, challenges, and coping strategies of Bachelor of Nursing (B.Sc. Nursing) students in selected colleges of Kancheepuram district, with the goal of identifying factors influencing clinical education and proposing strategies for improvement. This study employed a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive research design, utilizing semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with 30 nursing students from multiple colleges in Kancheepuram district. Purposive sampling was used to select students from second, third, and fourth-year levels who had completed at least one clinical placement. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis, identifying key themes such as clinical anxiety, mentorship gaps, resource challenges, self-directed learning, and professional growth. Findings revealed that 78% of students experienced fear of making clinical errors, while 72% reported anxiety in handling real patients. Limited supervision, negative staff attitudes, and delayed feedback hindered students’ learning, with 70% reporting inadequate supervision. Additionally, 82% of students encountered shortages of medical equipment, while 60% faced communication barriers between colleges and hospitals. Despite these challenges, students recognized self-directed learning as a key coping strategy, and 80% reported increased confidence in patient care over time. Addressing these challenges requires structured mentorship programs, improved faculty-student collaboration, enhanced clinical resources, and psychological support interventions. Strengthening the CLE through evidence-based strategies will help optimize nursing education and better prepare students for professional practice.