ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Clinical instructors play an important role in the education of nursing students. Nursing faculty must provide orientation and support for clinical instructors to ensure quality clinical experiences for students. Simulation can be used as a teaching strategy to prepare clinical instructors for clinical teaching. The purpose of this article is to describe the use of simulation to prepare clinical instructors in the role of teaching and increase confidence to provide clinical education to students. METHOD: Clinical instructors attended an orientation program that included simulation. During the simulation, nursing student volunteers role-played situations that required instructors to intervene for patient safety. Following the simulation, clinical instructors completed an online survey to measure confidence in teaching students. RESULTS: Twenty-six clinical instructors participated in the simulation with student volunteers and completed the survey. CONCLUSION: Clinical instructors thought the simulation prepared them for clinical teaching, increased their confidence, and assisted them to provide student feedback.
Subject(s)
Faculty, Nursing , Patient Simulation , Staff Development , Alabama , Clinical Competence , Feedback , Female , Humans , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Clinical associates are necessary and valued contributors to nursing education. All those involved in student instruction need to have clearly defined expectations that are aligned with the conceptual framework and program outcomes. Additionally, they must have the necessary resources to facilitate their ability to effectively instruct and evaluate nursing students in the clinical setting. Preparing competent clinical associates to provide effective clinical instruction requires detailed planning and development that includes guided mentoring from faculty. This article describes the development of an orientation course and ongoing resources and support designed to facilitate the transition into a clinical instructor role for registered nurses teaching in a baccalaureate nursing program. The Clinical Associate Resources and Support program was designed to enhance learning experiences for both clinical associates and the recipients of clinical education, nursing students.
