Determinants of Effective Clinical Instruction

The cornerstone of nursing education is practical instruction in the clinical environment. Many researchers have demonstrated the essential role clinical education plays in producing nursing graduates prepared for their role as novice nurses. Researchers identify that quality clinical instruction delivered via mentor, clinical coach, or clinical instructor is vital to the success of clinical education. What researchers failed to clearly identify, however, is what comprises an effective clinical instructor. I conducted a systematic review of literature, and through this method it has become clear that the quality of clinical education has a direct impact on the quality of nursing, but researchers fail to explicitly state what actions instructors might take to ensure that quality clinical education is accomplished. This paper will examine and interpret current and past literature to clarify what educational strategies clinical instructors may implement to ensure students achieve positive outcomes in the clinical setting, as well as in future practice.