Nursing Teachers´ Perception of the Challenges of Clinical Education and Solutions: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: The clinical education experience provides an opportunity for the application of theoretical concepts and acceptance of professional roles. Determining the challenges of clinical education and planning for a better education has an important role in training effective individuals. This study was done to determine nursing teachers’ viewpoints toward clinical education, its challenges, and their recommendations. Method: This is a descriptive, qualitative study on nursing teachers. Purposeful sampling was used for data gathering until data saturation in total, ۱۴ teachers participated. For transcription and analysis of ۱۸ interviews One Note ۲۰۱۰ was used. Data was analyzed using manifest content analysis. Results: During analysis, ۴ themes and ۹ subthemes immerged. They included presentation of learning potential in practice (of the teacher, and students), confrontation with challenges in real situations (ineffective planning, and administrative obstacles to clinical training), effective clinical education (effective, flexible, and assessment-based planning, effective teacher, and transition from dependent to independent practice), future professional challenges (evasion from professions, and unsafe caring environment). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study appropriate planning for effective teaching and clinical training is suggested. It seems that the use of expert teachers, improvement of the learning environment, development of the relationship between teachers and clinical staff, special attention to entry behaviors, and coordination between theoretical and practical concepts should be considered for an effective education.

Keywords:

Clinical education , Nursing , Qualitative study