The ideal role of the nurse teacher in the clinical area: a comparison of the perspectives of mental health, learning difficulties and general nurses

Abstract

This paper reports findings from a study that explored trained nurses' and student nurses' perceptions of the nurse teachers' ideal role in the clinical area. Findings demonstrate a dichotomy of opinion regarding the ideal role of the nurse teacher in the clinical area that relates to the nursing specialities in which trained nurses work. Trained nurses working in general nursing areas favoured a product‐focused, inspectorate supervisory role for nurse teachers. Conversely, trained nurses working in mental health and learning difficulties areas favoured a supportive, supervisory role for the nurse teacher that emphasized the learning process and encouraged reflection. The consequence of the different models used for student nurses' experience of supervision are discussed and the issue of nurse teachers' clinical credibility is explored. It is suggested that trained nurses, nurse teachers and student nurses should be involved in negotiating and constructing the role that nurse teachers play in the clinical area.