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Published on: September 4, 2019
The Dedicated Education Unit Model: Learning Experiences of Students and Preceptors
Neomie C Congello1, Lynette Landry, Dianne Montano
1About the Authors Neomie C. Congello, PHD, RN, is chair, Department of Nursing, California State University Channel Islands, Camarillo, California. Lynette Landry, PhD, RN, is a professor, Department of Nursing, California State University Channel Islands, Camarillo, California. Dianne Montano, BSN, and Andrea Rutherford, BSN, completed their Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing at California State University Channel Islands, Camarillo, California. Skye Honor, BA, is a recent graduate from the Department of Psychology, California State University Channel Islands, Camarillo, California. Joy Toyama, DrPH, is a statistician, Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, Health Services Research & Development, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California. This study was supported by an award from the California State University Channel Islands. For more information, contact Dr. Congello at neomie.congello@csuci.edu .
The dedicated education unit model improved nursing student motivation and social inclusion. One-on-one training with dedicated education unit preceptors enhanced student readiness for nursing practice.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Clinical Pedagogy
Background:
- The dedicated education unit (DEU) model is an innovative approach to clinical nursing education.
- Evaluating the DEU model's effectiveness is crucial for optimizing student learning experiences and preceptor preparation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the perceived effectiveness of the DEU clinical model.
- To understand the learning experiences of nursing students and their preceptors within the DEU framework.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous surveys were administered to students and preceptors at two hospitals implementing the DEU model.
- One-sided two-sample t-tests were used to compare current findings with data from a previous, similar study.
Main Results:
- Student motivation, social inclusion, and preceptor preparation subscales showed significantly higher means compared to the older study.
- Enhanced one-on-one learning opportunities with trained DEU preceptors were identified as key facilitators of student preparedness.
Conclusions:
- The DEU clinical model demonstrates improved outcomes in student motivation and social integration.
- Dedicated, trained preceptors in DEUs significantly contribute to better preparing nursing students for practice.
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