EVALUATION OF NURSING EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT IN THE FACULTY OF NURSING, ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY OF GAZA

Abstract

The main objective of Nursing Program at Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) is to prepare a new generation of nurses who are well-prepared theoretically and professionally to meet nursing needs in the Palestinian community. A positive approach to the systematic design of a learning environment can lead to positive outcomes for graduates. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the learning environment at Faculty of Nursing, IUG, and identify areas for change that may contribute to a more meaningful student learning experience. Method: The Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire was administered to all male and female second, third and fourth year of bachelor nursing students at the Faculty of Nursing with response rate 96.55% (280/290). Reliability Coefficients of the DREEM subscales were: 0.78, 0.81, 0.77, 0.84, 0.82 respectively, and 0.87 for total DREEM. Results: The total mean score on DREEM inventory was 113.10 out of a maximum of 200 and all subscales of learning environment were positive. Fourteen items with low mean scores (less than two) on the DREEM questionnaire were identified as requiring remediation and a total of 35 items had aspects of the learning environment climate that could be enhanced. The total mean score for subscales: subscale 1 (28.53 out of 48), subscale 2 (25.02 out of 44), subscale 3 (16.22 out of 32), subscale 4 (24.42 out of 48) and subscale 5 (16.09 out of 28). One way ANOVA test shows no significant mean difference due to years of study. Conclusion: A supportive environment is needed and interventions are required to deal with negative elements of the learning environment.