Nursing Skills Laboratory as Milieu of Clinical Learning and Practice

Objective: The study's objective is to assess the effectiveness of the university nursing skills laboratory if it functions as the milieu of clinical learning and practice. Methods: The research employed a mixed-method approach that included both quantitative and qualitative components. Results: The study revealed that most nursing students are still female and have already long experienced using nursing laboratories. The nursing skills laboratory assists in developing the psychomotor skills of the students (3.34) and builds confidence and overcome fear in performing nursing procedures' (3.26). The checklist used in the nursing skills laboratory is essential. The rubrics of the checklist provided accurately measure student skills (3.21); however, it should be based on or designed after the hospital setting (2.86). The respondents stressed that an additional time for an open laboratory hour enhances their nursing skills (3.06.). Some respondents feel the insufficient time to practice specific nursing skills for a particular session (2.78). Respondents stated that the availability of equipment and supplies affects the quality of their nursing skills performance (3.08). There was a significant difference in the assessment of the respondents when the year level was considered. Lastly, respondents stated that the challenges they face in the nursing laboratory are a lack of sufficient equipment and materials and a lack of time to practice the skills they have learned. Conclusions: Based on the study's findings, the nursing skills laboratory should have sufficient equipment and supplies in the simulation to use during the nursing skills demonstration and re-demonstration. Additional time should be given to the students to practice the skills they have learned, and the checklist should be designed after the hospital setting to reduce the risk and ensure patient safety.