Clarify the Learning Objectives
To understand the best time in the curriculum for student learning in a nursing home setting, first identify and/or review the learning objectives of the courses in the curriculum.
For example, common clinical objectives for a student’s first clinical course typically are as follows.
- Employ therapeutic communication skills to establish the nurse-patient relationship.
- Develop beginning proficiency with basic psychomotor skills (e.g., transferring techniques, assistance with activities of daily living, provision of skin care).
- Implement the nursing process.
Clarifying the learning objectives for each course will determine if and how a nursing home setting can assist in meeting those objectives.