Identifying a role for the nurse teacher in the clinical area

This paper describes a project which sought to identify a model to provide direction for nurse teachers working in clinical areas. Using an action research approach, the clinical teaching role was explored by working with trained nurses on one psychiatric ward. Two action plans were formulated, implemented and evaluated. The first involved working towards improving the learning environment and the second towards developing the ward manager's teaching role. The author concludes by recommending that teachers need to adopt a multi-dimensional role in the clinical area working as researchers, teachers and change catalysts.