Link teacher behaviours: student nursesʹ perceptions

The role of the nurse teacher in the clinical area is a major issue in nurse education today. When attempting to define the role, identification of teacher behaviours that are effective and valued by students is essential. Whilst there is no shortage of literature addressing nurse educationalistsʹ opinions of the nature of the present and future role, there is a paucity of papers reflecting studentsʹ views, and UK students in particular. The aim of this descriptive survey was to discover the views of third year RGN diploma level student nurses regarding the link teacher behaviours that help them to learn. One hundred and two student nurses completed a written questionnaire seeking information about the number and length of link teacher visits, and ratings of the level of helpfulness of 5 categories of link teacher behaviours. The Statgraphics statistical package aided the production of descriptive statistics, and also validation of the internal construct of the behaviour categories. Results showed that the majority of students were dissatisfied with the amount of link teacher contact they receive. A minimum length of time for each visit was established. The link teacher behaviours found to be most helpful were related to interpersonal skills and personality followed by nursing competence, evaluation and teaching ability. The findings contribute to the literature addressing UK studentsʹ views, and will inform the development of a higher quality link teacher support system for senior student nurses.