Undergraduate clinical facilitators support students at OPH

Nursing students at Osborne Park Hospital are receiving more hands-on educational and clinical support following the introduction of undergraduate clinical facilitator roles in March this year.

The One Focus Model of ward-specific clinical facilitators was adopted following the successful implementation of the 2015 pilot program at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

Under this model, clinical facilitators are allocated to designated wards (usually their substantive wards) and work alongside students and their preceptors to support the students’ practical placement.

The facilitators aim to improve the management and support of students by undertaking a hands-on approach with early intervention strategies to achieve better outcomes for students and decrease pressures on ward staff.

With 13 clinical facilitators placed in all clinical areas at OPH, in addition to 75 clinical facilitators at SCGH, nursing students are completing their placements at our hospitals feeling more confident in their skills.

Clinical Facilitator Valerie Malone is enjoying her new role and being able to support students on their study journey.

“I definitely prefer this model of site-based clinical facilitation. I have felt very supported by all the staff on the floor across different wards and it’s nice to see the students blossom from day one, to when they finish their clinical placement with the support of such great preceptors here at OPH,” said Valerie. 

The undergraduate education team at SCGOPHCG all agree this initiative is a wonderful example of staff from OPH and SCGH sharing and implementing ideas and strategies that improve the care we give to patients and support the clinical education of our future nurses.