Kickstart in nursing home-Nursing students experiences of a model for active and collaborative learning in clinical placement

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To explore students' experiences from a pilot project testing out a model for active, collaborative learning in first-year placement at a nursing home. Background: There is a need for innovative learning activities and projects to improve clinical education in nursing homes. Active, collaborative approaches in placement learning may enhance students learning outcome. Design: The study had a qualitative and explorative design, in which the experiences of students participating in the pilot were investigated through paired interviews at the end of their placement. Methods: Twenty-two students participated in the study, and data from paired inter-views were analysed using qualitative content analysis. COREQ reporting guidelines were used. Results: Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) The learning cell as facilitator for learning; (2) Discovering learning possibilities in nursing homes and (3) Applying tools and resources for learning. Conclusions: The model could reduce tension and anxiety while helping the stu-dents focus on learning options and use their environment more actively for learning. Working with a learning partner seems to increase student learning through common planning, feedback and reflection. The study emphasises the importance of facilitat-ing active learning through the scaffolding structures and configuration of the stu-dents' learning space. Relevance to clinical practice: This study indicates the potential for introducing active and collaborative pedagogical models in clinical placement. The model can promote nursing homes as a conducive learning arena for nursing students and help prepare students for a future work role in a rapidly changing health care field. Patient or public contribution: The result of the research is shared and discussed with stakeholders prior to finalising the article.