Evaluation of clinical teaching models for nursing practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Pedagogy
• Experiential Learning

Background:

• Clinical placements are crucial for experiential learning in nursing.
• Effective clinical learning environments require supportive and available staff.
• Traditional preceptor models face challenges in acute care due to staff shortages and workload.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate nursing students' perceptions of two clinical supervision models.
• To compare the effectiveness of the preceptor model versus a cluster/group model.
• To identify optimal conditions for student learning in acute nursing practice.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods evaluation of twenty nursing students' experiences.
• Comparison of the preceptor model with a cluster model (8 students per facilitator).
• Data collection focused on student perceptions of clinical placements.

Main Results:

• Students expressed a preference for the cluster/group model.
• The cluster model, with a university-paid facilitator, was favored over the preceptor model.
• Student learning needs were better addressed in the small group setting.

Conclusions:

• Small group supervision with a dedicated clinical facilitator is preferred by nursing students.
• Student feedback and perceptions are essential for improving clinical placement models.
• The cluster model shows promise for enhancing nursing student education in acute care.