Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background A continuity-aligned dedicated education unit is a novel professional experience model focused on teaching and learning in clinical environments. Students complete repeat placements within a clinical ward designed to support student learning. Evidence reports high student and preceptor satisfaction within dedicated education units. However, information concerning nurse preceptor experiences within a continuity-aligned dedicated education unit have not been explored.Aims To explore the experiences of nurse preceptors who mentor students in a continuity-aligned dedicated education unit at the commencement of the initial four weeks of professional experience placement.Design Qualitative descriptive study.Methods Registered nurses (n = 8) employed for >6 months with a minimum of 12 months’ experience working within the clinical ward participated in group or individual 30-minute recorded interviews. The interviews were conducted face-to-face or via Zoom. All recordings were transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was undertaken using inductive thematic analysis.Results/Findings Participants had a median (Q1, Q3) age of 44 (25, 36) years. Four themes emerged: (i) preceptorship is a multifaceted role, (ii) precepting is important and positive, (iii) continuity-aligned dedicated education unit model brings hope, and (iv) endorsed model.Conclusion Preceptors perceive the continuity-aligned dedicated education unit as beneficial for students’ learning and their professional development. However, the model can be impacted by occasional staffing challenges. Further studies are required to explore the long-term impact of continuity-aligned dedicated education units on both student nurses and nurse preceptors.Impact statement A Continuity-Aligned Dedicated Education Unit (CADEU) model appears to be an innovative approach to support preceptorship of nursing students on professional experience placement. The CADEU model leads to enhanced placement experiences for students and nurse preceptors with reported improvements in support, teamwork, confidence, workforce readiness.
Source: Contemporary Nurse
Language: English
Subfield: Research and Theory
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4412366673