This mixed methods study exploring student outcomes of service learning experiences is inter-disciplinary, near the intersection of higher education research, moral development, and nursing. The specific problem examined in this study is that service learning among university students is utilized by educators, but largely without a full understanding of its effect upon students. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore the change in affective rather than cognitive personal development characteristics pertaining to moral orientation and caring within nursing students following a service learning experience. The study consisted of a mixed methods approach, using a pre-test/post-test design for the quantitative portion of the study and interviews with students after they experience their service learning assignment in nursing within the qualitative part of the study. The research encompassed pre-post survey responses of nursing students from multiple campuses, before and after a clinical nursing service learning experience. In addition to survey responses, the data collected included focused interviews with students following their service learning experiences. The study drew theoretical foundations from two theories in the fields of nursing and moral development. The statistical analysis of survey findings, along with the qualitative analysis of rich and thick data emerging from the student interviews, revealed that when students have clinical experiences in the context of community service or public health, with an opportunity for reflection, they feel a growing sense of competency in nursing and confidence in finding their professional voice. Recommendations were made for sharpening the practice of service learning. More extensive and robust quantitative studies, some requiring funding, are needed to exceed purely isolated case studies and to ascertain outcomes across a more generalized population. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]