THE CLINICAL ROLE OF NURSE TEACHERS WITHIN A PROJECT-2000 COURSE FRAMEWORK

This paper reports on part of a national study that was conducted over a 3-year period (1991-1994). The overall aim of the study was to expl ore the changing role of the nurse teacher. Multiple methods of data c ollection were used, including a modified Delphi survey, a case study and telephone interviews. The sample included a wide variety of respon dents (nurse teachers, midwife teachers, clinical nurses, health servi ce managers and higher education lecturers). Findings in relation to t he clinical role of the nurse teacher within a Project 2000 course fra mework are presented. This includes the nature of the clinical role, v iews on linking theory and practice, and potential barriers to the nur se teacher's clinical role. The future role of nurse teachers within t he clinical area is discussed and this includes suggestions for the wa ys in which a nurse teacher's clinical commitment could be facilitated , Issues relating to the role of lecturer/practitioner are also highli ghted.