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Using psychodynamic small group work in nurse education: closing the theory-practice gap?
1Centre for Research in Nursing & Midwifery Education, Faculty of Health & Social Care, University of Surrey, Duke of Kent, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7TE, United Kingdom. h.allan@surrey.ac.uk
Nurse Education Today
|October 19, 2010
Summary
Psychodynamic small group work helps nursing students bridge the theory-practice gap. Reflecting on clinical emotions in supervision enhances integration of learning and improves patient care.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Nursing Education
Background:
- Psychodynamic principles are established in some medical and nursing practices but underutilized in general nursing.
- A significant theory-practice gap exists for nursing students, impacting their ability to integrate academic learning with clinical experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the role of psychodynamic small group work in integrating theory and practice for nursing students.
- To explore how psychodynamic supervision can help student nurses reflect on emotional issues during clinical placements.
- To argue for the adoption of a psychodynamic approach in nurse education to address the theory-practice gap.
Main Methods:
- Presentation and psychodynamic discussion of clinical material from student nurses' group supervision sessions.
- Critical review of existing literature on psychodynamic small group work in professional education.
- Position paper arguing for the benefits of a psychodynamic approach in nurse education.
Main Results:
- Psychodynamic small group work and supervision provide a platform for students to reflect on emotional challenges encountered in clinical settings.
- Supervision facilitates the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application for student nurses.
- Addressing emotional issues through reflection aids in bridging the theory-practice gap.
Conclusions:
- Reflecting on feelings within psychodynamically-informed small group work can significantly help student nurses integrate theoretical and practical learning.
- Understanding the theory-practice gap from a psychodynamic viewpoint can empower nurse tutors to better support students.
- This approach ultimately supports student nurses in delivering high-quality patient care.
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