Abstract
M.Cur.
In the basic vocational preparation of the student nurse, the field of
clinical tuition takes on special significance due to the fact that the major
part of the student nurse's professional preparation takes place within this
field. The clinical practice offers a wide variety of learning opportunities
and forms an indispensable bridge between the vast body of knowledge and the
world of endeavour the student nurse has to master.
There are, however, many traumatic experiences which deeply affect the
student nurse in her involvement with the sick, with the result that she has
need for an adult in whom she can confide. An adequate number of registered
nurses with the necessary subject knowledge and professional skills should be
available in the clinical practice in order to provide optimal accompaniment.
The participation of the college tutor in clinical practice accompaniment
once again manifested itself prominently following the affiliation of nursing
colleges with universities. The National Health Council has formulated constitutional
guidelines in terms of which accompaniment of student nurses by
tutors has been made obligatory. According to the South African Nursing
Council, accompaniment encompasses the conscious and purposeful guidance and
support of the student nurse, by creating learning opportunities that make it
possible for her to grow from passiveness to involvement to independent
clinical practice. This process of accompaniment takes place in conjunction
with the direct participation and physical presence of the tutor (SANC, 1988
: 4).
Such active participation by the college tutor in the process of clinical
practice guidance is not functioning optimally "at present. The purpose of
the present study was to determine the extent of involvement by the college
tutor in this process, and to establish certain guidelines for the implementation
of effective participation. In order to obtain the necessary background
for the study, a descriptive exploratory survey was undertaken by
means of a questionnaire. Input was obtained from tutors, clinical training
personnel and ward nurses.
Analysis of the data indicated an urgent need for the active participation of
the college tutor in the process of clinical practice guidance. . The planning,
organisation, and implementation of nursing tuition at the college must
be adapted to provide for the active participation of the tutor in this
process.
Clear guidelines with operational goals have been formulated with respect to
the implementation of clinical practice guidance by the tutor.