Enhancing Nursing Education and Practice through Structured Preceptor Training in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Clinical learning and skills development are the core of nursing education and practice necessary for nurses to function competently. Limited competencies and lack of readiness for workforce pose concerns to graduating nursing students, faculty and hospital administrators and result in poor patient outcomes. This paper described the strategic priorities and collaborative engagement of the school of nursing instructors and hospital bedside nurses to improve student learning in the clinical area. Method: Components of the project include aligning the course objectives with individual student learning outcomes, developing workshop modules in addition to training and mentoring the staff. Result: Collaborative efforts increased student learning and patient outcomes. Challenges include increased workload, and frequent night shifts, which affected the ability of the preceptors to guide students’ learning. Conclusion: Nurses in the Diaspora can influence nursing education and practice through collaboration using the Training of Trainers (ToT) Model.