Factors influencing career identity in relation to the clinical practice learning environment, satisfaction, and stress among nursing students in the Republic of Korea: A comparative survey design

Purpose: To identify regional differences in the relationship of the clinical practice-learning environment, satisfaction with clinical practice, and clinical practice stress with career identity among nursing students in the Seoul and Daegu/Kyungbuk metropolitan regions. Methods : This comparative study was conducted using an online survey administered to nursing students from the Daegu/Kyungbuk and Seoul metropolitan regions between August 14, 2024, and October 2024. Results : Clinical practice regions showed no significant association with the career identity of nursing students. However, nursing students in the Seoul region reported higher scores in clinical practice learning environment, satisfaction with clinical practice, and career identity, while those in the Daegu/Kyungbuk region reported higher scores in clinical practice stress. Satisfaction with clinical practice hours was identified as a key factor influencing career identity among students in the Daegu/Kyungbuk metropolitan region, while satisfaction with supervision and the clinical practice environment were significant factors for students in the Seoul metropolitan region. Conclusion : Efforts are necessary to enhance the clinical practice-learning environment and satisfaction with clinical practice while reducing clinical practice stress in the Daegu/Kyungbuk region by drawing insights from the Seoul region. A comprehensive analysis of supervision and clinical learning systems in the Seoul metropolitan region is necessary to identify and implement improvements in the Daegu/Kyungbuk region. Additionally, a support plan for clinical practice institutions and the development of regionally balanced infrastructure for healthcare education are essential.