Exposing nursing students in the clinical area is a crucial component in nursing education wherein students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. However, it can be both an advantage and a disadvantage to student learning when circumstances surrounding it may be a little complicated.
It could be an advantageous opportunity for students to apply their knowledge, develop their personal and clinical skills related to the profession. The clinical area provides them with authentic experience as they deal with actual patients, healthcare professionals, and other team members as they develop their interpersonal skills. On the other vein, however, it can be a source of stress and anxiety for student nurses especially when the environment is not safe, their exposure came a little too early or their mentors are not supportive for their professional growth.
While I believe that there is no perfect clinical area that would always protect the interest of the students, it should be remembered that a well planned clinical exposure with identified learning outcomes, properly selected area and collaboration with health care team could be the key to support an inclusive environment that fosters student growth and development.