The Role of Social Climate in Nursing and Health Care Professions Degree Programs

Abstract

The social climate in educational settings has received increasing attention, but it has been rarely investigated with reference to the health professions educational environments. The study was conducted on first year baccalaureate Nursing and Allied Health Professional students. The results point out some significant differences among the health professions contexts, especially with regard to the dimensions of relationships with teachers, structural aspects, future employments, and learning outcomes. A scientific evaluation of the academic climate allows the universities to identify problematic areas, promote concrete changes, and support services and community partnerships that may be crucial to outstanding teaching and learning activities.