There is a sharp discrepancy between the number of nurses getting master's degrees focusing on advanced clinical practice and the availability of jobs in that area. If master's-prepared clinicians are not needed, graduate curricula must be evaluated in terms of the types of roles for which they are preparing students. (JOW)

The author proposes a model for evaluation of learning in clinical nursing courses which incorporates three classes of objectives: instructional (the "defined behavior" type), expressive (elaboration and indivivualization of learned skills and meanings), and Type 3 (problem-solving). Three types of outcome are distinguished: instructor-, student-,…

A course for senior nursing students focuses on the health problems and belief systems of minority clients and how these affect their health care. Based on a holistic and epidemiological approach to health care, the seven week course includes theory and clinical practice which students found stimulating and useful. (Author/MS)

An explanation is given of how associate degree (AD) clinical experiences are used in relation to the philosophy of AD education. The authors describe and critique five major criticisms of the AD graduate and offer recommendations to ensure the continued adequacy of the present clinical laboratory and classroom experiences. (TA)

Preliminary studies using performance-based tools to validate student competence in interpersonal relations and in using all of the steps of the nursing process in a specific care situation are being conducted in the baccalaureate nursing program at Salem State College in Massachusetts. (EA)

Describes a course at the Indiana University School of Nursing which allows senior students in a baccalaureate nursing program to concentrate on emotionally disturbed children in an advanced nursing course. Discusses course philosophy, clinical experiences, and program results. (CT)

It is not enough for the new associate degree (AD) nursing graduate to know the theory and be willing to learn. She must also have some skill in providing basic nursing care. Examples of applicants, both ADNs and BSNs, are described to illustrate the nursing talent necessary to practice sensitively and effectively. (Editor/TA)

Describes a one-month clinical experience at the University of Maryland's School of Nursing in which senior nursing students acted as health teachers in elementary, secondary, and special education school settings. (TA)

Proposes a grading system for nursing education, consisting of (1) a within-class component, based on mastery testing and criterion-referenced assessment to develop academic knowledge and clinical skills; and (2) a between-class component, based on norm-referenced assessment to provide a statistically sound class ranking. (SK)

When students sought group experiences for clinical practice, they found they had to use their leadership skills at the initial contact with the agency, thus learning about group dynamics before even leading a group. (Editor/TA)

This centralized system permits matching patients' care needs with students' learning needs and enables assignment of students to appropriate agencies. (Editor)

Describes an approach to clinical research used by the author in teaching graduate nursing students, involving replication and expansion of a primary study of hospital intensive care units. This approach provided valuable experience as well as validated data about clinical practice. Discusses advantages and disadvantages in the approach. (MF)

After spending seven weeks in a nursing home, nursing students came away from the experience with a new respect for the aged, a realistic idea of the problems facing the nursing staff in the extended care facility, and new image of nursing homes. (Author)