Clinical Educator Combinations and Their Impact on Second-Degree Nursing Students' Learning: A Mixed-Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Competency
• Healthcare Professional Development

Background:

• Second-degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs face unique challenges in clinical education.
• The impact of the number and combination of clinical educators on student outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how the number and combination of clinical educators influence second-degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing students' learning outcomes.
• To assess the impact on students' clinical placement experiences and perceived core competencies.

Main Methods:

• A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups.
• Surveys assessed core competencies and satisfaction; focus groups explored learning experiences.
• Data analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, regression, and thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Students supervised by both instructors and preceptors showed higher communication competency.
• Course satisfaction and combined educator roles predicted overall competency.
• Educator diversity enhanced learning experiences, clinical reasoning, and reflective practice.

Conclusions:

• The number and combination of clinical educators significantly impact nursing students' learning experiences and competency.
• Varied feedback, broader insights, and professional support from diverse educators are crucial.
• Educator diversity is vital for effective clinical education in nursing programs.