Introduction:
A supportive and positive clinical learning environment is critical in the teaching-learning process. Clinical placements are an integral part of pre-registration nurse education. They provide students with opportunities to learn practical skills and gain knowledge, therefore students’ learning is dependent on quality of support provided by preceptors (Gameel-Ali, Hassan Aly EL Banan, and Hassan Al Seraty, 2015; Smedley, 2010). “A preceptor is a registered nurse/midwife who has been specifically prepared to guide, direct, facilitate and assess nursing and midwifery students’ learning during a practice placement” (An Bord Altranais, 1994). An encouraging and supportive environment where students feel comfortable is most conducive …show more content…
Effective communication between both the preceptor and preceptee is essential for safe practice. There are four main modes of communication: written, verbal, paraverbal and nonverbal (body language). Written communication must be concise and accurate as it can be misinterpreted as what was meant to what is read. It is important to keep expressions simple and understandable with verbal communication and explain complex jargon with concrete examples, which is particularly relevant to the inexperienced student (Myrick and Yonge, 2005; Lee et al., 2002). Paraverbal communication is how something is said through tone, pitch and pacing of voice. Non-verbal communication indicates information transmitted without speaking through gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and proximity. According to Cantor (1992), up to 65% of all communication is non-verbal, therefore saying nothing says something, regardless of how reluctant the preceptor or precetee is engaging. Negative body language includes sighing, smirking, raising eyebrows or rolling eyes (Brookfield, 1987; Towers, 2008). Egan (2002) uses the acronym ‘SOLER’ to describe positive non-verbal communication. The acronym indicates: facing people squarely, open posture, leaning forward to convey interest, eye contact, and relax. Although consideration must be given to cultural differences in communication too (Taylor, Nicolle and Maguire,
A supportive and positive clinical learning environment is critical in the teaching-learning process. Clinical placements are an integral part of pre-registration nurse education. They provide students with opportunities to learn practical skills and gain knowledge, therefore students’ learning is dependent on quality of support provided by preceptors (Gameel-Ali, Hassan Aly EL Banan, and Hassan Al Seraty, 2015; Smedley, 2010). “A preceptor is a registered nurse/midwife who has been specifically prepared to guide, direct, facilitate and assess nursing and midwifery students’ learning during a practice placement” (An Bord Altranais, 1994). An encouraging and supportive environment where students feel comfortable is most conducive …show more content…
Effective communication between both the preceptor and preceptee is essential for safe practice. There are four main modes of communication: written, verbal, paraverbal and nonverbal (body language). Written communication must be concise and accurate as it can be misinterpreted as what was meant to what is read. It is important to keep expressions simple and understandable with verbal communication and explain complex jargon with concrete examples, which is particularly relevant to the inexperienced student (Myrick and Yonge, 2005; Lee et al., 2002). Paraverbal communication is how something is said through tone, pitch and pacing of voice. Non-verbal communication indicates information transmitted without speaking through gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and proximity. According to Cantor (1992), up to 65% of all communication is non-verbal, therefore saying nothing says something, regardless of how reluctant the preceptor or precetee is engaging. Negative body language includes sighing, smirking, raising eyebrows or rolling eyes (Brookfield, 1987; Towers, 2008). Egan (2002) uses the acronym ‘SOLER’ to describe positive non-verbal communication. The acronym indicates: facing people squarely, open posture, leaning forward to convey interest, eye contact, and relax. Although consideration must be given to cultural differences in communication too (Taylor, Nicolle and Maguire,