Perceptions of Students toward the Educational Environment Based on the DREEM Tool in a New Nursing Scholl in Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Educational environment has a critical effect on the students' learning, performance and innovations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception to problem identification among nursing students in a newly-founded Nursing school in Torbat, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a newly-founded Nursing School in Torbat. 120 students completed the questionnaire. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) was used to evaluate the educational environment. Results: Mean age of the study population was 20.81±1.55, with a female/male ratio of 1.22. The mean total score of the DREEM scale was 115.67±12.4 out of 200. The mean score of all subscales of the DREEM questionnaire were "positive perception" except for the students' self-perception domain that had many negative aspects. Conclusion: In this study the students' self-perception was not favorable according to the DREEM scale and was identified as "need to be changed and improved" in our newly-founded nursing school. Having a schedule to train nursing students and providing friendly, supportive and comfortable atmosphere can improve the educational environment.