Professional Experience Placement

Eckleberry-Hunt and Tucciarone (2011) discuss the characteristics of Generation Y from a medical education perspective. However, some of the generalisations about this cohort can be attributed to other health professions. Caution is required with any generalisations, however, these authors use their statements to explain the differences in learning and teaching styles required to engage this cohort. While the Millenials or Next Gen are now frequently written about, Generation Y are a large part of the nursing student cohort as up to 50% of any of our undergraduate students in any year are mature-aged students.

The authors describe Generation Y as preferring to work in groups; enjoy trial and error; and hands-on experiences. Eckleberry-Hunt and Tucciarone (2011) suggest that educators needs to focus on four core areas 1) interactive teaching with technology 2) professionalism 3) mentoring and 4) communication and feedback. These are topics that can be found in the archive of this blog.  you can use keywords to search for them here.

The implications for clinical supervisors include the need to be abreast of new technologies and incorporate them into teaching. Successful strategies will involve hands-on teaching and group discussion. Collaborative learning and the provision of feedback within the practical context is essential to engage these learners. Role modelling is important to these learners. The authors indicate these learners tend to multitask inappropriately and do not understand that it may be perceive as rude or distracting. It is important for clinical supervisors to demonstrate appropriate professional behaviour related to multitasking (including using technology).

Professionalism needs to modelled and explicitly taught as professional identity formation requires immediate feedback and focus on specific behaviours and the reasons for requiring change. Successful mentoring of Generation Y requires the supervisor, preceptor or facilitator to understand these students would like to work with superiors who are approachable, supportive, good communicators and motivators. These students may reveal ‘too much’ personal information and they may also openly share opinions without respect for appropriate organisational hierarchy. Clinical supervisors need to be able to receive this feedback without becoming defensive and use the information to create positive change if the critique has merit. These students tend to thrive with structure and with clear and firm boundaries, including regular meetings and feedback sessions.

Providing feedback to Generation Y can be problematic. These students like immediate feedback, however receiving negative feedback  can create difficulty as these students may not have realistic expectations nor are prepared for taking responsibility for their actions or becoming  independent. Strategies suggested to provide feedback could include using  verbal and written feedback, including positive quotes from others they have interacted with. These students like public acknowledgement, and are concerned about what their peers think, so positive feedback can reinforce their value. To successfully lead Generation Y, needs strong leadership including clear boundaries and unambiguous messages. Clinical supervisors need to be patient and be persistent in knowing their input may not be recognised immediately!

If you have any comments about this supervising Generation Y, or any any tips to assist with successful supervision of these students you are welcome to post them here. Please join us @PEPCommunity.