Professional Experience Placement

The study of nursing students’ perceptions of learning and supervision in the clinical environment was undertaken in Cyprus. However, there are lessons for other healthcare environments. This study found that students valued their mentor’s  (preceptor) supervision more highly than a nurse teacher’s supervision  towards fulfillment of the learning outcomes. The findings indicated the quality of care delivered was a key component of a quality clinical learning environment. The results of this study suggest there is an opportunity to modify educational strategies that promote desirable learning for students in response to workplace demands. The authors trace the orientation of quality clinical placements from students being ‘popped’ into practice to a highly structured process that includes orientation, support and mentoring throughout placement, including inclusion and belongingness being key to workplace satisfaction of students. This study reports that supervisors assisted with students developing a professional identity and also meeting individual learning needs. This mutuality of understanding is important for effective cooperation between preceptors, nurse supervisors and students. Although the model of supervision is different in Cyprus to Australian environments, the message is valid from the perspective that if students have the opportunity to work alongside a nurse with whom they have developed a rapport the learning environment is enhanced.  The supervisor has opportunity to guide the student and provide the continuity to complement the required learning and skills development of the mentee.  This study found that nurse teachers focused on curriculum and knowledge acquisition whereby the mentors were more placed in the ‘here and now’ of the workplace. Student satisfaction also increased where there was a positive team spirit, orientation, support, respect, acceptance, mutual knowing, trust and communication including feedback. The authors also mentioned the need for educational preparation of the preceptors/ mentors is crucial for enabling a high quality learning environment.

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