Education for clinical practice: an alternative approach

Although there have been many advances in technology, nursing science, and the professional role, there has been little planned, substantive change in the approach to clinical education. Documented problems include faculty workload, clinical placements, student anxiety, and concurrent teaching and evaluation. This article reviews the current status of clinical education and offers an alternative approach. The recommendation involves teaching a course on clinical practice, which includes patient care and adaptive competencies, evaluation in the college laboratory, and placing students with preceptors in the clinical laboratory. Ideas for implementation are offered, which include curricular changes and student-centered teaching strategies that encourage activities such as reflection and decision making. Advantages include opportunities for professional development for faculty and preceptors, improved student learning, and elimination of reality shock. The need for faculty development and educational research is emphasized.