Background: In recent years, an increasing number of clinical training centers for skill
training is available to allow for a safe and secure learning environment with simulation
opportunities for students and staff. Clinical skill training is an important part of nursing at
University College of Dalarna (HDa) where learning environment at the center of excellence
(KC) can contribute to an improvement in this part of the training.
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the nursing students ' experiences through the
estimation of learning environment of clinical skill training before and after the establishment
of center of excellence.
Method: The study was conducted as a survey with quasiexperimental design.
The questionnaire was based on Saarikoski and Leino-Kilpis gauges CLES where questions
were modified with the help of Delphi method based on the three different dimensions:
educational environment, relationship and the teacher's role. The measurement before the
establishment was carried out during autumn 2010 and the measurement after establishment
occurred in autumn of 2011. A total of 266 students were included in the study, of which 198
(74%) responded to the questionnaire.
Result: Nursing students estimated the experience of learning environment more favorable
after the establishment of center of excellence where the results show a significantly higher
estimate in 8 of the 16 questions. Nursing students´ believe that the training environment is
more realistic, they are more satisfied with skill training and that inspires them to work as a
nurse. The relationship between them and the teacher is based on respect and that opens up to
a more positive atmosphere during skill training. On the other hand, no significant difference
in the student’s experience of the clinical teacher's role was noticed.
Conclusion: It is clear that the learning environment is important for nurse student's
integration of theoretical as well as practical knowledge and skills improvement and provides
a good basis for work as a nurse. Strategies should be taken to maintain and develop the
learning environment at KC and focus more on the integration of theory and practice.