The role of the nurse tutor in the clinical area.

Abstract

This aim of this descriptive study was to explore the clinical role of the nurse tutor in Malta. The study included both a quantitative and qualitative phase. Data was collected in two stages. The first stage involved asking all tutors to fill in a time log of their academic and clinical activities for a two week period. In the second stage, the researcher interviewed five tutors, five nurses and five students on factors which facilitate / mitigate against the nurse tutor fulfilling a clinical role, and on the role of the nurse tutor in the clinical area. Analysis of data revealed that local tutors allot minimal time for their clinical role. The main reasons cited are workload, lack of control over teaching in the clinical area, and lack of clinical competence. Another major factor contributing to the minimal amount of time local nurse tutors devote to their clinical role, was their perceptions about the inequity of work conditions between tutors. This inequity it would appear, is the result of local nurse tutors having differing employers. A finding in the study, which has particular significance to the local situation, is that the current role of the educator in the clinical area is perceived by study participants to be exam oriented rather than aimed at the preparation of competent nurses. Results from the study also suggest that the clinical role of the nurse tutor is centred, as it should be, on the students. However staff nurses needs are not being met, and since this might impact the student's clinical experience, this area may need future redress. Findings from the study suggest that a larger scale study should be conducted to explore, whether these findings are characteristic of nurse tutors, nurses and students in general in Malta and to address the problems identified in the study. Findings from the study would also suggest that the clinical role of the educator should be flexible and multifaceted, in order to meet the needs of students/nurses on wards which are diverse in nature.