Preparation for Clinical Instruction

EDUCATORS MUST DO A LOT OF PLANNING BEFORE CLINICAL INSTRUCTION BEGINS.

To ensure a positive learning experience for learners, whether they are : Undergraduate students Graduate students Refresher course nurses Ancillary nursing staff

Selections of clinical sites must be done METHODICALLY. You must consider the learning experiences that are available there. Will it be possible to obtain clinical experiences that correlate with theoretical content? Will learners have a variety of experiences? Is there enough room around nurses station or office for learners to use patients chart?

An often over-looked aspect of the learning experience is the availability of role models for learners. Research has demonstrated that clinical educators are role model for learners (Wiseman, 1994), but so are staff in the agency (Gaberson & Oerman, 1999).