EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH AND CLINICAL TRAINING QUALITY AMONG NURSING STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: The fast proliferation of nursing colleges, particularly in developing countries such as Pakistan, has generated concerns about the quality of clinical education. Limited clinical placement chances, overcrowded hospital settings, and inadequate supervision may have a negative impact on students' competency development. To investigate the link between institutional growth and clinical training quality among nursing students. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken with 140 participants, including clinical teachers and nursing principals from Pakistan's public and private nursing institutions. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision, and Nurse Teacher (CLES+T) scale. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation, independent t-test, and ANOVA) in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: The findings demonstrated significant levels of institutional growth, as evidenced by increased student enrollment, limited affiliated hospitals, and overcrowded clinical settings. Overall clinical training quality was moderate to low (mean = 2.92 ± 0.87), with lower scores in hands-on practice chances. There was a substantial negative connection between institutional growth and clinical training quality (r = -0.62, p < 0.05). Public institutions provided higher-quality clinical training than private institutions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings, rapid institutional expansion without proportionate development in clinical training capacity has a negative impact on nursing education quality. Strengthening clinical infrastructure, strengthening supervision, and ensuring a balanced student intake are all critical to improving clinical learning outcomes and preparing competent nurses.