Paper
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Strategies, Alliances and Reliances: Politics and the Clinical Facilitation Model
Cathy Dickson, RN, RM, GradCertNeonatalNursing, BHSc(Nursing), MRCNA, School of Nursing, Family and Community Health, University of Western Sydney, NSW. Australia, Penrith South DC, NSW, Australia, Sharon R. Bourgeois, RN, BA, MA, MEd, FCN, FRCNA, School of Nursing, Family & Community Health, University Western Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia, and E. Jayne Walker, RN, RM, BN, MHN, School of Clinical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.
| Learning Objective #1: Identify current strategies employed by clinical facilitators in providing clinical education |
| Learning Objective #2: Discuss two methods of supporting clinical facilitators to meet the challenges of facilitating learning in the dynamic clinical environment |
Clinical practicum experience for undergraduate nurses remains undisputed as an essential component of any program. Exposure to the reality of professional practice and its integration of explicit with tacit knowledge is invaluable in producing skilled clinicians. Developing an understanding of how learning is facilitated in the clinical environment is central to the provision of quality clinical education. The aim of this presentation is to reveal dimensions of the lived experience of being a clinical facilitator, a popular model of nursing clinical education, to come to an understanding of how facilitators need to be politically savvy in order to fulfil thier role.Findings from the authors research project highlight the dedication and professionalism of our clinical educators. Facilitators remain committed to placing emphasis on ethical principles and professional standards that is reflected in their choice of clinical practice buddies, and in identifying support networks for the students on placement. To sustain this commitment to the professional development of our undergraduate students, and to be responsive to the changing clinical environment, the experiences of the facilitators give meaning and direction for the way forward.