Competency Development of Fourth-Year Nursing Students: Role of Clinical Learning Experiences in a Primary Hospital

This study examined the influence of related clinical learning experiences on the clinical competency of fourth-year nursing students affiliating at a primary hospital. Using a descriptive quantitative design, 105 students from six colleges of nursing were surveyed with a validated structured questionnaire assessing perceptions of clinical learning experiences and self-reported competency across safe and quality nursing care, health education, and research application. Results indicated that students generally reported positive clinical learning experiences (WM = 4.16, Agree) and high levels of competency (WM = 4.49, Competent). Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between overall clinical learning experiences and overall competency (r = 0.65, p < 0.001), including the roles of nurse teachers, learning atmosphere, and nursing care in clinical areas. These findings suggest that structured, supportive, and experiential clinical learning environments significantly enhance nursing students’ practical skills, confidence, and readiness for professional practice. Based on the results, it is recommended that nursing programs strengthen preceptor involvement, promote student-centered learning environments, and provide increased opportunities for hands-on practice and research engagement.