Abstract
BACKGROUND: Robust instruments are essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the hospital setting as a clinical learning environment for nursing interns and students, which is a crucial part of nursing education. PURPOSE: This study aimed to present a Saudi Arabic version of Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision, and Nurse Teacher Evaluation (CLES + T-SA) scale and to explore the clinical learning environment, supervision, and nurse teacher evaluation of nursing interns and students during their clinical practice training. METHODS: A convenience sample of 280 nursing interns and students was employed into this study. Exploratory factor analysis using principal axis factoring method and Varimax rotation was conducted to determine the structure of the scale's Saudi Arabic version. RESULTS: The CLES + T-SA was successfully cross-culturally adapted and has a strong construct validity and reliability showing exceptional internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.96) with the following three subscales having Cronbach's alphas: clinical learning environment (0.94), supervision (0.94), and nurse teacher evaluation (0.96). Supervision is the most critical variable that influenced the clinical learning experience of nursing students. CONCLUSION: The CLES + T-SA version validly and reliably assessed CLES + T evaluation and can be used by nursing students in Arab Gulf countries and other Arabic-speaking nursing interns and students. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Measures are needed to train and equip clinical supervisors in teaching, supervising, guiding, coaching, and facilitating the development of nursing students in providing compassionate, safe, and high-quality care during clinical practice. The findings of this study are significant to nursing academe and hospital administrators for them to formulate strategies that will enhance the clinical learning environment, supervision, and teaching of nursing students.