theory kevin

This article by Benike et al. (2024) caught my eye since I work in primar/ambulatory care and am interested in clinic-based education. It explores a new approach to training nurses by placing them in primary care settings. The study examines the perspectives of both students and their nurse preceptors.

The program utilizes a one-on-one student-to-preceptor ratio. Interestingly, the study found that while students reported positive experiences, especially regarding preceptor support, they identified areas for improvement. They desired more opportunities to directly interact with patients and practice hands-on skills. Balancing privacy concerns and student experience might be key here.

The nurse preceptors also reported positive experiences, highlighting how teaching students enhanced their own skills and job satisfaction. Overall, the study suggests this ambulatory training approach is effective. However, incorporating more hands-on learning could further strengthen future nurses’ preparedness.

Connecting this article to nursing theory, Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory (McEwen et. al., 2023) seems particularly relevant. The article highlights identifying student competencies and addressing them using preceptors. Just like patients with self-care deficits, the students have skill and knowledge gaps. The ambulatory setting and one-on-one model function to address these deficits and develop competent nurses.