Nursing students must participate in a formal education program, either at an associate's degree or bachelor's degree level. Formal education includes coursework in areas such as pathophysiology, chemistry, psychology, nutrition and anatomy. An appropriate background in clinical knowledge and theory will help prepare nursing students for competent clinical performance.
All nursing education programs have a clinical component, in which students are supervised by clinicians in a clinical setting, such as a hospital, a clinic, home care or long-term care. Most education programs prescribe a number of hours of clinical work that nursing students are required to complete, with learning objectives specific to the nursing student's level of learning. A preceptor is responsible for ensuring that nursing students receive the clinical experiences necessary to meet the learning objectives and also for providing feedback to the nursing student.
Simulation labs are another way for nursing students to learn and practice clinical skills. In simulation labs, nursing students can practice skills such as monitoring heart rate, taking blood pressure, drawing blood, giving injections or inserting an IV on a mannequin designed to simulate a patient. These labs provide a safe environment for nursing students to practice their clinical performance skills.
The areas of clinical performance required by nursing students include taking a history, physical assessment, medical procedures (such as inserting an IV or a catheter), interpersonal skills with patient, family and other professionals and the development of a treatment plan.
Clinical performance of nursing students is measured through observation and feedback during clinical rotations. They also are assessed using simulated clinical practice exams, in which nursing students complete simulated scenarios with patients in a fair and objective way. Clinical performance of nursing students can be assessed and compared objectively through a clinical assessment using standardized patients.