Collaborative learning linking nursing practice and education - Interview study with master's students and teachers.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Professional Development
• Collaborative Learning Strategies

Background:

• Effective nursing practice relies on collaborative and innovative educational approaches to address healthcare challenges.
• Nurses' learning occurs in diverse settings, necessitating a deeper understanding of collaborative learning dynamics.
• Developing nurses' competencies requires exploring and organizing collaborative learning effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nurses' perspectives on collaborative learning within master's level nursing education.
• To understand collaborative learning from the viewpoint of both nursing students and educators.
• To identify key elements and organizational needs for successful collaborative learning in nursing.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing semi-structured focus groups.
• Involved 33 nurses serving as master's students and teachers.
• Data analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Main Results:

• Collaborative learning synthesizes diverse learner skills and reflections toward shared goals.
• This approach fosters workplace competencies, professional attitudes, and personal growth in nurses.
• Effective organization requires careful planning and synchronization between clinical and educational institutions.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative learning is an inclusive strategy for enhancing nurses' knowledge and soft skills across career stages.
• It has the potential to reduce professional hierarchies within nursing.
• Further research is recommended to develop robust evaluation methods for collaborative learning outcomes.