A new model for the clinical instruction of undergraduate nursing students

Abstract

As the nursing faculty shortage worsens nationwide, schools of nursing must be creative in developing models of clinical instruction for undergraduate students that ensure both quality instruction and quality patient care. Partnerships with clinical agencies can be creatively designed to allow full-time faculty greater access to students and agency nurses recognition for clinical expertise. The model for clinical instruction proposed here is also useful for introducing staff nurses to the role of faculty. The program described here was piloted for one semester; proposed advantages and disadvantages are described, and feedback from students is presented.