Learning experience of nursing students in a clinical partnership model: An exploratory qualitative analysis

Abstract

BackgroundClinical teaching models are crucial for nursing students' learning experiences as students learn and socialise in a complex clinical context. An innovative clinical partnership model, employing hospital-based clinical teachers to provide supervision and university teachers to liaise with students, has been developed to facilitate clinical teaching and enhance learning experiences. ObjectivesThe study aims to explore nursing students' learning experiences under this clinical partnership model. DesignAn exploratory qualitative study using focus group interviews. ParticipantsTwenty-eight pre-registration nursing students at undergraduate and postgraduate level participated in this study. MethodsStudents formed four groups with each consisting of six to eight students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore students' experiences and perceptions of clinical learning in the clinical partnership model. The data analysis was guided by an inductive approach using content analysis. ResultsThe narrative data relates to the clinical learning environment and experience. Nursing students found the clinical partnership model provided a conducive learning context facilitating their adaption to the new environment and integration with the healthcare team. Though students spent time developing mutual understanding with their clinical teachers, they were satisfied with the ample opportunities to practise and learn from their teachers. They appreciated the fact that teachers enriched their learning through bridging the theory-practice gap and acting as role models. ConclusionThe clinical partnership model enriches students' learning experiences. It provides a student-centred learning approach and supportive clinical environment which engages nursing students in learning.