Ellenbecker Carol Hall, O'Brien Eileen, Byrne Kathleen
College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, USA.
J Community Health Nurs. 2002 Spring;19(1):1-6. doi: 10.1207/S15327655JCHN1901_01.
Nursing education is currently faced with many changes in both the academic and clinical environments. A significant challenge is to provide students with meaningful clinical placements. Experiences in clinical placements allow students to test assessment, critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills in real and culturally diverse world situations. Nursing faculties need to develop new and innovative approaches for students to gain the necessary clinical experience. This article describes a community health clinical placement designed and implemented through a partnership of academic and social service organizations. It details the conception, growth, and development of student nursing clinics based in elderly and disabled housing sites.
