Abstract
M.Cur.
In line with the requirements of the National Plan for Higher education, The Skills
Development Act (Act 97 of 1998), The eight Batho Pele Principles 1997, The South
African Qualifications Authority Act (Act 58 of 1995), The National Qualifications
Framework, Outcomes Based Education and The South African Nursing Council, it is
clear that there is a need for critical thinking in clinical nursing education in general
and in professional nurses as preceptors in particular.
The researcher has observed that the preceptors of a clinic in Region 7 Gauteng
Province, use the traditional method of teaching (lecture method) during
accompaniment of learners allocated to the clinic for their practica which hinders the
facilitation of critical thinking. There is a need for preceptors to re-visit their teaching
strategies and methods in order to facilitate critical thinking in clinical nursing
education. Central to facilitation of critical thinking is the learner, and preceptors
should create a climate where interactive facilitation takes place through dialogue and
discourse.
The aim of the study is to develop a programme to facilitate critical thinking of
preceptors in clinical nursing education. For this aim to be realised the following
objectives were met:
To conceptualise in order to develop a programme to facilitate critical thinking
of preceptors in clinical nursing education
To implement and evaluate a programme to facilitate critical thinking of
preceptors in clinical nursing education.
A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive research design that is contextual in nature was
followed according to two phases.
In phase one of the study, conceptualisation of the main concepts namely critical
thinking, interactive facilitation, clinical nursing education, preceptor, nursing process
and the programme was done to ensure theoretical validity (Gift, 1997: 76).ii Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA, 1998: 3-6).
Evaluation, limitations and conclusion of the study was described. Recommendations
were discussed as they apply to nursing education, nursing research.