A "Co-CREATES" framework to foster a positive learning environment for nursing students' professional development in...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education Research
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Clinical Practice Improvement

Background:

• The quality of nursing education directly impacts the future of the nursing profession in Rwanda.
• Learner-centered practice settings are crucial for equipping nursing students with essential knowledge, values, and judgment.
• Current practice-based learning environments require strategic enhancements to meet professional standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore strategies for improving the practice-based learning environment for nursing students in Rwanda.
• To identify key areas for enhancement in clinical placements and supervision.
• To develop a framework for fostering a collaborative and supportive learning experience.

Main Methods:

• A focused ethnographic approach was employed.
• Individual interviews were conducted with nursing students, staff nurses, clinical instructors, and nurse leaders.
• Data were collected from three hospitals and one educational program.

Main Results:

• Five key areas for improvement were identified: institutional support, school-hospital collaboration, capacity building for educators, restructuring clinical placements, and revising supervision models.
• A "Co-CREATES" framework was developed, emphasizing collaboration, care, recognition, empowerment, active engagement, transformation, enhancement, and support.
• The framework promotes a stakeholder-engaged, collaborative approach to creating positive practice environments.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a collaborative approach enhances the culture of nursing education and practice.
• Positive outcomes are achieved through co-creating supportive conditions for student professional development.
• Strengthening collaboration between educational institutions and healthcare facilities is vital for nursing workforce development.