Qualities of a Good Clinical Instructor
As multicultural faculties are involved in clinical instructions, being aware of effective clinical instructor characteristics that are perceived as important by nursing students teaching strategies and attitudes can be reinforced, changed, or developed towards excellence in clinical teaching(Girija, 2012). To be effective, the following sub-headings lists some of the characteristics a good instructor should possess:
Demonstrates Effective Competency- Cognitive Domain of Blooms Taxonomy; it is all about acquisition of knowledge and learning.
Knowledge: Demonstrates knowledge of nursing in instruction, show clinical skill competence, able to co- relate theory to practice, transfer knowledge and skills to students for safe practice, and knows learners individually.
Facilitate critical thinking in clinical practice.
Role modeling-demonstrate skills, attitudes, and ethical values that are to be developed in students in clinical area.
Role Models Best Practice: Keeps a positive environment, teamwork and collaboration, patient centered care.
Easy Accessibility to Students/Staff: Available to students in clinical Instructions; judgement and effective procedures; evaluate students objectively and fairly; provide individualized timely feedback; provide constructive and specific feedback
Effective Communicator: Open minded, objective, non-judgmental; Provides Positive environment. Communicate effectively; breaks down content in a down-to-earth manner
Excellent Interpersonal Skills(people person):Inform students about goals, expectations, desired outcomes, deadlines.
Interact with students; clear about expectations(Quality Improvement), informatics
Able to collaborate with other disciplines; Receptive to people and ideas.
Practice Relationship-Base Teaching – Affective Domain of Blooms Taxonomy; dealing with feelings and emotions.
Respect student as individuals; Encourage students, permits freedom for discussion; Feeds students’ curiosity by giving clear concise feedback, and answers to questions Curious about students and their affects
Permit expression of feeling; supportive and helpful;
Compassionate/passionate, encouraging, friendly attitude with mentoring approach
Humanistic qualities; the attitude of the teacher toward patients, colleagues, and work profoundly influences students.
Self-Mastery and Temperate- Psychomotor Domain of Blooms Taxonomy; involves the development of motor skills from simplistic to expert and mastery level-
Approachable; honest and direct with students
Demonstrates self-control & patience; enthusiasm in nursing and teaching
Exhibit responsibility and autonomy; energetic and eager to know
Have sense of humor; organized and dedicated.
Conclusion
Being knowledgeable, strategic teacher, creating positive learning environment, demonstrating professionalism, displaying scholarly traits and being supportive with demonstrable clinical competence, skills in clinical teaching are always appreciated as great qualities of good clinical instructors. (Girija, 2012).
References
Girija K.M Effective Clinical Instructor-A Step Toward Excellence in Clinical
Teaching. International Journal of Nursing Education. Jan-June 2012, Vol. 4, No. 1