Key stakeholders in clinical learning and teaching in Bachelor of Nursing programs: A discussion paper

Abstract

Since the transfer in Australia of preparatory nurse education from the hospital to the university sector, debate and discussion have continued regarding the perceived benefits and failings of the current system. In this paper we consider issues related to student clinical practicum from the perspectives of the student learner, the educational provider, the health service sector, the health consumer and the profession as a whole. The aim of this paper is to generate further discussion about clinical learning, a critical component of undergraduate nursing education. We argue that all stakeholders have a role to play in contributing to optimising all the clinical learning experiences for students in Bachelor of Nursing programs – the professional nurses of the future.

Keywords:

• nurse education
• clinical learning
• facilitation
• graduate nurses
• nursing workforce