Best practice in clinical facilitation of undergraduate nursing students. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Needham, Judith; McMurray, Anne; Shaban, Ramon Z.
• Is Part Of: Nurse education in practice. Volume 20(2016:Sep.)
• Page Start: 131
• Page End: 138
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Nursing -- Clinical facilitation -- Best practice -- Clinical practice -- Professional development; Nursing -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Education, Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.73071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2016.08.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-5953

Abstract

Abstract: Clinical facilitation is critical to successful student clinical experience. The research reported in this paper used an interpretive case study to explore perspectives of clinical facilitators on what constitutes best practice in clinical facilitation of undergraduate nursing students. Eleven clinical facilitators from South East Queensland, Australia, participated in focus groups, interviews and a concept mapping exercise to gather their perspectives on best practice. The data gathered information regarding their prior and current experiences as registered nurses and facilitators, considering reasons they became clinical facilitators, their educational background and self-perceived adequacy of their knowledge for clinical facilitation. Analysis was through constant comparison. Findings of the study provided in-depth insight into the role of clinical facilitators, with best practice conceptualised via three main themes; 'assessing', 'learning to facilitate' and 'facilitating effectively'. While they felt there was some autonomy in the role, the clinical facilitators sought a closer liaison with academic staff and feedback about their performance, in particular their assessment of the students. Key strategies identified for improving best practice included educational support for the clinical facilitators, networking, and mentoring from more experienced clinical facilitators. When implemented, these strategies will help develop the clinical facilitators' skills and ensure quality clinical experiences for undergraduate nursing students. Highlights: The role of clinical facilitators, conceptualised via themes; assessing, learning to facilitate and facilitating effectively. Clinical facilitators require educational preparation and support to provide the best clinical experience of student nurses. Effective facilitation requires highly developed communication skills. Networking with other clinical facilitators is important for staff development.