A Theory for Prelicensure Nursing Student Satisfaction With Clinical Learning Experiences: An Integrative Review

Abstract

The satisfaction of prelicensure nursing students is a prominent and essential component of programmatic outcome data for accreditation agencies and ongoing program improvement. Nursing student satisfaction correlates with student retention, graduation rates, and future employment and can assist nurse educators in determining if supportive clinical experiences exist. However, nursing students report moderate-to-high levels of clinical stress within clinical environments, impacting both satisfaction and future role preparation. Additional research is necessary regarding prelicensure nursing student satisfaction within their clinical environments, yet a theoretical gap exists to guide such future research. The purpose of this integrative review was twofold. First, perform an integrative review to explore factors associated with prelicensure undergraduate nursing student satisfaction in clinical learning experiences. Second, provide a theory to guide future research regarding the topic.