Summary: | <p> The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the transformational leadership behaviors of nursing instructors in the clinical learning environment and the level of communication apprehension experienced by associate degree nursing students. The study also examined if this relationship was altered by the moderating effect of age, gender, and previous clinical exposure on the transformational leadership behaviors of nursing instructors in the clinical learning environment. This study employed a non-experimental quantitative correlational survey design. Participants consisted of 481 associate degree nursing students who were members of the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA). Descriptive statistics, univariate, bivariate (correlational) and multivariate (regression) testing were utilized in the analysis of data. Data analyses revealed a statistically significant relationship between all but one of the transformational leadership subscales (providing individualized support) and communication apprehension. Additionally, the data revealed a statistically significant relationship between age, gender, high performance expectations and communication apprehension. However, no statistically significant relationship was found between communication apprehension and previous clinical exposure.</p>
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