An overview of practice education models

Educating nursing students for entry level practice in complex health care settings is a concern in Canada and many other countries. National groups have called for improved practice education to better prepare students for actual practice. The purposes of this paper are identification and critical analysis of current practice education models. Ten basic model types were identified in the literature: faculty-supervised practicum, preceptorship, education unit, joint appointment, secondment, affiliate position, internship, co-operative education, work-study and undergraduate nurse employment. Key features, benefits and limitations of each model are discussed. Emerging developments in practice education are increased inter-professional and community-based practice education, and new partnerships among academic and practice organizations. These developments are intended to alleviate model limitations, ease pressures from organizational contexts and respond to large integrated health care systems. Evidence-based research for practice education is beginning to be apparent. Further research is needed that compares models and examines learning, patient care outcomes and costs.