A student-centered clinical educational unit--description of a reflective learning model

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Practice
• Higher Education

Background:

• The gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application is a persistent challenge in nursing education.
• Undergraduate nursing programs require effective models for clinical skill development.
• A student-centered approach can enhance learning outcomes in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a student-centered Clinical Education Unit (CEU) model for undergraduate nursing education.
• To outline a model integrating three learning levels across different hospital care settings.
• To foster collaboration between students, healthcare facilities, and faculty.

Main Methods:

• Development of a collaborative educational model involving hospital representatives and university nurse educators.
• Implementation of a three-level learning structure corresponding to the first, second, and third years of the nursing program.
• Clinical training provided in three distinct hospital care settings.

Main Results:

• The model integrates a human caring science perspective, focusing on patients' lived experiences.
• Collaboration in communion is emphasized to bridge the theory-practice gap.
• Reflection and critical thinking are identified as vital components of the clinical learning environment.

Conclusions:

• The described CEU model offers a framework for enhancing undergraduate nursing education.
• The model promotes a holistic approach to clinical learning by incorporating patient perspectives and collaborative practices.
• Emphasis on reflection and critical thinking prepares students for effective nursing practice.