Observations and interviews of eight student nurses in clinical placements with older patients yielded four themes: task- and nontask-related communication, need for verbal and nonverbal communication, communication hindrances and enhancers, and students' approach to communicating with older persons. A person-centered approach to elder care and…

A peer supervision program for mental health nursing lecturers was implemented to help them develop new skills, avoid isolation, and enhance teamwork. Participants found it had supportive value and enhanced problem solving. Issues included distinguishing between counseling and supervising, potential of supervision to become management control, and…

A literature review identified three aspects of personal tutors' role in nursing education. The academic role is increasingly important as higher education preparation of nurses increases. The clinical role is difficult to maintain but crucial for moving theory into practice. The pastoral role is less clearly defined and tutors need better…

Examines advantages and disadvantages of multimedia simulation in nursing education. Provides an example of a modular design with an integrated intelligent agent and knowledge base for teaching clinical decision making. Concludes that this approach overcomes some of the problems of intelligent tutoring systems. Contains 40 references. (SK)

Students (n=90) enrolled in mental health nursing in Hong Kong completed the Opinion about Mental Illness Scale before and after the course and clinical placements. Postcourse results showed more positive attitudes toward clients with mental health problems. (Contains 37 references.) (SK)

Although assessment of nursing students' clinical performance is difficult, objections to grading may be based on erroneous assumptions. A combination of criterion- and norm-referenced assessment can clarify minimum competency requirements and reward meritorious performance. (SK)

A program in which senior nursing students (n=31) supported junior students (n=27) in clinical placements was evaluated. Peer support was considered valuable, but both groups desired more preparation for their roles. Seniors felt their teaching and mentoring skills were enhanced. Juniors reduced anxiety about placements. (Contains 26 references.)…

To support nursing students in clinical placements, nurse educators are developing a variety of roles, such as lecturer/practitioner, researcher/practitioner, and lecturer/researcher. Nurse educators should have a firm practice base and collaborate more closely with clinical staff and lecturers from other disciplines. (SK)

A British university's curriculum model for master's and postgraduate diploma nursing education is characterized by structured collaboration among students, clinical mentors, and academic supervisors. A professional development portfolio individualizes the program and facilitates autonomous learning. (Contains 21 references.) (SK)

Describes the development of an educational audit tool to assess the quality of the learning environment for nursing students in practice settings. The tool evaluates the physical environment, the learning climate, and students' perceptions. (SK)

Education for nursing practice must shift to a collaborative education/service model in which the value of practical education and experience is better understood and integrated with academic knowledge. This model provides better resources and availability of mentors/preceptors, resulting in better prepared nurses. (Contains 32 references.) (SK)

Techniques for mental-health nursing students that help integrate theory and practice include a journal club, in which students discuss research reports and other literature, and clinical seminars, weekly sessions in which critical reflections on practice experiences are examined. (Contains 38 references.) (SK)

Comparison of the perceptions of 55 student nurses whose curriculum emphasized academics over clinical practice with those of 39 in a revised curriculum emphasizing theory-practice links found only modest evidence that the newer curriculum improved student perceptions of their preparation for clinical placement. (SK)