1. Rational for DEU use:
1
Definition:
• Model of clinical
education
• Adapted into a
patient unit
designed to
increase student
learning outcomes
• Utilization of
successful teaching
& learning
strategies & the
expertise of the
faculty & clinical
staff nurses.
• Involves a
partnership
between a school of
nursing & clinical
agency
Origins of
Best Practice:
First adapted by the
Portland School of
Nursing
Types of
Students &
Setting for
DEU use
• All nursing students
may benefit from
use
• in an environment
that promotes
collaboration
between a school of
nursing & clinical
agency
• clinical agency
wishing to pursue
magnet status
INCREASING PATIENT
ACUITY
1
NURSING FACULTY
SHORTAGE
2
LIMITED NUMBER OF
CLINICAL
PLACEMENTS FOR
STUDENTS
3
DANIELLE HERRETT APRIL 26, 2016
Dedicated Education Units
Model for Clinical
Education
Traditional DEU
Staff Nurse
• Students will be
assigned but
involvement varies
• Typically unaware
of expectations/
course objectives
• May work with
several different
nursing education
programs & faculty
members
• Primary clinical
instructor
• Receive specialized
training from CFCs
• aware of students
clinical
expectations/course
objectives
• Will work with the
same nursing
programs & CFCs
Number of students 1 clinical instructor: 6-10
students
1 clinical instructor: 2
students
Faculty
• Primary CI
• Responsible for
students education
• Typically do not
collaborate with
nurse managers
• Support students &
staff nurses
• Coach/train staff
nurses
• Manage student
education with
input from staff
nurse
• Collaborate with
nurse managers
Students May work with a different
staff nurse every shift
Will work with the same
staff nurse every shift
Engagement with
interdisciplinary teams
& Unit
May be limited to clinical
site/staff preference/
opportunity
Provide multiple
opportunities for students

2. Resources Needed:
1. Partnership between School of Nursing & Clinical
Agency
2. State Board of Nursing Involvement
3. Meetings with Staff of Unit to start “buy-in”
4. Socialization of unit to DEU concept
5. Environment Planning
6. CI/student Orientation Resources
7. Stake holder meetings
Qualifications:
Clinical Instructors/Clinical Teachers: RN license,
expertise in clinical setting where teaching (at least 2
years), willingness to teach & participate in student
learning activities & to be coached by CFCs
Clinical Faculty Coordinators: Expert teachers &
leaders, MSN minimum
Nurse Managers: BSN with 2 years experience
Evidence for Use
Students Reported:
‣ more quality learning experiences & opportunity to
develop critical thinking skills
‣ greater growth with opportunity to develop QSEN
competencies
‣ spending less time doing tasks not conducive to
learning
‣ communication between CFCs & CIs resulted in more
opportunity to participate in patient care activities that
coincided with their course work
‣ promoted welcoming environment
‣ leadership style of the nurse manager, nursing care on
the unit, & nature of the clinical supervisory
relationship were more positive
Clinical Instructors Reported:
‣ unit supported teaching role & encouraged mentoring
relationships with students
‣ provided positive learning environment & quality
clinical education
‣ offered students more complete picture of nursing role
‣ encouraged collaboration between all members of
interdisciplinary team
‣ Academic-clinical partnership clearly defined
‣ felt less burdened with role with support from CFCs &
unit as a whole
2
The Portland Model Dedicated Education Unit in Acute Care
Lead Faculty Clinical Faculty Coordinator
Clinical Teacher
Interdisciplinary Team:
CNAs, PT/OT, Providers,
Dietitians, Social Workers,
CNS, Educator
DEU Staff Management Team:
Nurse Manager, Assistant Head Nurse
Students
DEU Staff Management Team &
Clinical Instructor:
Essential Characteristics: BSN with 2 years experience
(minimum). Experienced in clinical role. Willingness to
teach. Appointed by manager and completed specific
education/training provided by UP.
Primary Responsibilities: Individual student learning and
continuity with individual students over length of
clinical.
Clinical Teacher:
Essential Characteristics: RN Required, BSN
not required. Experienced in clinical
role. Willingness to teach. Appointed by
manager and completed specific educa-
tion/training provided by UP.
Primary Responsibilities: Individual student
learning and continuity with individual
students over length of clinical.
Clinical Faculty Coordinator:
Essential Characteristics: minimum MSN, expertise as educator &
leader
Primary Responsibilities:
UP liaison in residence
Coordinate instructor and student experience, up to 16 students
Evaluate instructors/ teaching/learning experiences
Mentor/teach Clinical Instructors and Teachers
Responsible for course outcomes and evaluating students’
critical thinking
Clinical Instructor
UndergraduateClinicalLearningEnvironment