Meeting the challenges of assessing clinincal placement venues in a Bachelor of Nursing program

Abstract

Clinical learning is foundational to the University of South Australia’s Bachelor of Nursing program and students are expected to undertake a variety of clinical experiences during the three-year program. The Discipline of Nursing and Rural Health, in collaboration with academics, clinicians and managers, developed an instrument to evaluate contextual learning, involvement and reflection of nursing students during clinical placements. Following a simple research study using the instrument, it was decided to continue such evaluation on an ongoing basis. The instrument was found to be beneficial for students, industry partners and academics in attaining feedback. The purpose of this paper is threefold: to illustrate the process by which the evaluative instrument was developed, to report the results of the survey, and to explore the positive learning outcomes that might result with the use of the instrument.