Student-instructor relationships in nursing education

The nursing instructor who assumes a colleagial or facilitator role in the student-instructor helping relationship assists students to learn and develop both personal and professional competence. In an attempt to attain power, female faculty members may exert power over students, causing students to feel threatened, powerless, and incompetent. Research studies indicate that there is a direct correlation between a student's self-concept and academic performance. When an instructor manifests open communication with students and demonstrates an interest in their learning, the instructor may facilitate a positive self-concept in students and enhance their cognitive abilities. Nursing practice is based on utilizing therapeutic communication, which is authentic, open, and personal. Students may acquire these skills and simultaneously increase their competence in nursing practice more readily when faculty members serve as role models in a helping relationship through sharing and developing trust. By applying the principles of the helping relationship, nursing instructors may facilitate students' personal and professional growth.