Student Triads: A Collaborative Approach to Practicum Experiences for Master's Nursing Students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Administration
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Traditional master's degree practicums offer limited interdisciplinary exposure.
• Need for practical, collaborative experiences in diverse healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel collaborative practicum model for master's nursing students.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of interdisciplinary triad placements in healthcare organizations.

Main Methods:

• Master's students placed in interdisciplinary triads (nursing administration, education, informatics).
• Triads assigned to a large healthcare organization for a year-long immersive experience.
• Focus on real-time problem-solving and decision-making.

Main Results:

• Students gained practical experience in diverse healthcare roles.
• Collaborative approach fostered interdisciplinary understanding and skill development.
• Exposure to real-world challenges enhanced problem-solving abilities.

Conclusions:

• The collaborative triad model provides a valuable, comprehensive practicum experience.
• This approach prepares graduates for complex healthcare environments.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is key for advanced nursing practice.