How can nurse teachers be more effective in practice settings?

This paper reports on selected aspects of a research project commissioned by the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (ENB) to investigate the relationship between teaching, support, supervision and role modelling in clinical areas, within the context of Project 2000 diploma courses. The paper will focus upon findings which related to the role of the nurse teacher in practice settings. These were derived from interviews with students, practitioners and nurse teachers in three Project 2000 centres in England, and from a series of case studies in practice settings providing learning experiences for students undertaking the adult and mental health branches of Project 2000 diploma courses. Findings are discussed in relation to four broad areas: establishing a role for nurse teachers within the practice team; preparation of practitioners for their role in student learning; helping students to link theory and practice; and the nurse teacher's role in developing practice.