| Learning Objective #1: Identify methods to facilitate the 10 leadership concepts vital to nursing practice | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Articulate the influence of an preceptorship for senior nursing students on the 10 leadership concepts |
Design: A time series pre-test/post-test design was utilized.
Sample: Sample consisted of 31 senior nursing students (30 females, 1 male) enrolled in an elective leadership preceptorship over a two year period.
Outcome Variables: Increased use of leadership concepts by senior nursing students in a clinical setting.
Methods: After IRB review, senior students completed a pre-test assessing leadership skills. Senior students (Clinical Assistants) were paired with a clinical faculty member supervising junior students. Ten leadership concepts identified as essential to strengthen leadership skills were incorporated in a self-directed modular format. The modules integrated skills such as assessment, delegation, communication, and evaluation. The Clinical Assistant performed leadership activities in the clinical setting such as assisting with assignments, evaluation, assisting with plans of care, and answering clinical questions. Each student spent 15 weeks with a faculty member in the role of Clinical Assistant, in which the faculty member modeled the leadership concepts. Students further refined leadership skills such as evaluation, providing feedback, problem solving, and communication. A post-test assessed changes in leadership skills. Clinical Assistant‘s leadership competence was evaluated by the faculty and the junior students. Evaluation instruments developed will be shared.
Findings: A scale score was computed as a sum of the item scores. A significant difference was noted in the paired sample t scores between pre-test and post-test scale scores (p <.01). Items were grouped into ten conceptual categories and summed within each category. A paired sample t-test was conducted. A significant increase was noted in all ten leadership behaviors (t = -3.14, p <.005).
Conclusions: Significant changes were noted in all leadership categories at the completion of the clinical preceptorship.
Implications: Implementation of the clinical preceptorship increases leadership concepts, facilitating the transition from student to professional nurse.
Back to Teaching Strategies
Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004