Nurses in medical education: A unique opportunity

Abstract

Medical students are expected to learn certain procedural skills in addition to clinical skills, such as assessment and decision making. There is much literature that shows proficiency in procedural skills translated to improved outcomes and cost-saving. Given the time constraints placed by increasing clinical demands, physicians have less time to work with students in teaching technical skills. There is a unique opportunity to utilize nurses in clinical clerkships to teach procedural skills. A dedicated nurse educator can provide a consistent curriculum, work with learners to achieve proficiency, and provide measurable outcomes. Future research should explore the role played by nurses in medical education and the comparison of instructional effectiveness.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Anna Reczynski and Amy Halverson, MD, for their support in the editorial process.

Disclosure statement

The authors reports no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Notes on contributors

Trevor J. Barnum, BSN, RN, CCRN, is the Surgical Nurse Educator for the surgery clerkship at the Feinberg School of Medicine (FSM).

Lindsey Thome, BSN, RN, TNS, is the Nurse Educator for surgery sub-internship at (FSM).

Elizabeth Even, MSN, RN, CEN, is the previous Surgical Nurse Educator for the surgery clerkship at (FSM).