PRECEPTOR, STUDENT, AND
FACULTY IN CLINICAL NURSING
EDUCATION: A COMPARATIVE NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Researcher Kathie J. Kulikowski, RNC, MS, MSN(c) 2005
School Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA . Gonzaga
offers a flexible MSN program for the RN with a current licensure, a bachelor's
degree in any field, and the desire to further his/her nursing education. Courses are a hybrid approach with on-line
work and on-campus meetings. Nurse
educator, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse administrator tracks are
available as well as advanced nurse practitioner tracks in family practice and
psych. For student information go to: http://www.gonzaga.edu/Academics/Colleges+and+Schools/School+of+Professional+Studies/Nursing/default.htm
.Why I Chose This Topic I am intrigued with the
whole circle of education ---student, faculty, preceptor --- and there is
so much we can do to enhance and support the preceptor/student experience.
Abstract The practice of nursing is learned by applying
theory in clinical settings. Expert
clinical nurses have been used as preceptors for nursing students in clinical
sites for the past forty years, and preceptorship is considered a "viable
teaching strategy" (Myrick & Barrett, 1994). The preceptor is defined in the literature as an expert nurse,
who supports, coaches, counsels, evaluates, and serves as a role model for the
nursing students in a one-to-one relationship.
The literature defines the need for faculty support and training of
preceptors, however, specific training plans and outcome evaluation is not
evidenced. A barrier to training is
identifying needs and finding a mutual venue and time for training. The purpose of this study is to gather
evidence of the preparation needs for effective preceptorship through
comparison of the perceptions of the student, preceptor, and faculty in an
undergraduate senior clinical experience.
Comment The preceptor training model will use the
textbook, Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment: A Practical Approach, 3rd
Ed, and refer participants to various tools at www.AlfaroTeachSmart.com . Kathie and her colleague, Dr. Sue Roe will present lessons learned in a presentation entitled: Student Reflective Practice: Coaching preceptors to foster critical thinking on Friday, July 22 at the 16th Nurse Educators Conference in the Rockies .