Testing the Collaborative Learning Unit, a New Nursing Practicum Supervision Model

Abstract

Introduction: The collaborative learning unit (CLU) is a nursing internship supervision model that has the potential to optimize resources dedicated to clinical education through the sharing of student supervision within a care team. It is a flexible model that can be adjusted to the specific features of the clinical and academic settings looking to adopt it. The testing of this model, however, has not been documented in Quebec.

Purpose: This article presents the results of the third cycle of a qualitative active research project designed to support and document CLU adoption by, and for, partners in clinical nursing education. This cycle relates to the experience of the partners during CLU testing in an intensive care setting in Quebec.

Methods: The partners’ experience was documented through field observations (33 hours) as well as focus groups (n = 2) and individual interviews (n = 3) with eight partners. The research team performed a theme-based analysis of the data.

Results: Nine themes provide an understanding of the partners’ CLU-related experience. They focus on interns’ autonomy, multiple supervisory relationships, and support for learning. Possible improvements are also suggested to address the issues encountered so as to continue work on the model (for example, use of a tool to monitor interns’ progress).

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that mobilizing various partners in a participatory research project enables them to appropriate a new model of internship supervision and results in an overall positive trial experience.