Placement of undergraduate students in nursing homes: careful consideration versus convenience

Abstract

Several decades ago, concerns were raised about using nursing homes as clinical placement sites for undergraduate nursing students. As a result, some nursing programs moved away from using these clinical sites. However, within the past 15 years, a shift back toward reconsidering nursing homes as viable placement options has begun. What has brought about this shift, and what must happen to ensure that nursing homes provide positive learning experiences for students? This article reviews the literature on placing students in nursing home environments and presents a model that is designed to enhance gerontological competence in undergraduate nursing students, as well as to enhance students' learning in nursing home placements. If programs use nursing homes for student placements, a carefully constructed plan that encompasses gerontological education throughout the nursing degree program is recommended.