Evaluating a clinical partnership model for undergraduate nursing students.

Since the transfer of nurse education to the tertiary sector in Australia there have been many challenges associated with the selection, administration and facilitation of clinical experiences for undergraduate nursing students. The School of Nursing at Australian Catholic University, McAuley Campus, planned and implemented a partnership model for clinical practice with the aim of improving current methods and overcoming some of the problems previously experienced. Evaluation of the model was conducted during the first year of implementation. An interpretive approach involving academic staff, clinical affiliates and students was used to evaluate the model. Thematic analysis of the data revealed three major themes of familiarity, acceptance and trust and supportive learning environments. It was found that students had been supported in their learning environment through the clinical affiliates commitment to teaching and learning, linkage of theory and practice and credibility as practising clinicians.