Research
Participants in RiNS have different approaches to the study of practical skills in nursing. Studies focus on theoretical and empirical issues in clinical and educational settings.
Practical skill is a core theme within nursing and our assumption is that the discipline of nursing should be interested in studying characteristics of quality in practical nursing skills. Theoretical work is in progress aiming at further refinement of The Model of Practical Skill Performance. We have developed an instrument that can enhance reflection and supervision during teaching and learning of practical skills. This work entailed concept clarification and empirical testing of the instrument. Further goals are: to develop a summative assessment instrument based on the model and the instrumental supplement, and to explore the model with a view to developing a research instrument to aid in the analysis of practical skill performance.
Research focus nursing students' and nurses' development of practical skills in clinical settings as well as in the skills laboratory. A variety of patient groups, clinical and educational arenas and practical nursing skills have been studied (see overview of studies). Findings from these studies will be systematized in order to pinpoint important areas that need further research. Time in clinical education has been reduced in most countries. Specialization in the clinical arena influences student's possibilities in learning a variety of basic practical skills. This creates pedagogical challenges in teaching and learning. The Model of Practical Skill Performance offers a conceptualization of practical skill and definition of terms that can enhance the understanding of quality and complexity in practical skill learning and performance. The effects of its use among students, educators and nursing personnel is explored.
Practical skill is a core theme within nursing and our assumption is that the discipline of nursing should be interested in studying characteristics of quality in practical nursing skills. Theoretical work is in progress aiming at further refinement of The Model of Practical Skill Performance. We have developed an instrument that can enhance reflection and supervision during teaching and learning of practical skills. This work entailed concept clarification and empirical testing of the instrument. Further goals are: to develop a summative assessment instrument based on the model and the instrumental supplement, and to explore the model with a view to developing a research instrument to aid in the analysis of practical skill performance.
Research focus nursing students' and nurses' development of practical skills in clinical settings as well as in the skills laboratory. A variety of patient groups, clinical and educational arenas and practical nursing skills have been studied (see overview of studies). Findings from these studies will be systematized in order to pinpoint important areas that need further research. Time in clinical education has been reduced in most countries. Specialization in the clinical arena influences student's possibilities in learning a variety of basic practical skills. This creates pedagogical challenges in teaching and learning. The Model of Practical Skill Performance offers a conceptualization of practical skill and definition of terms that can enhance the understanding of quality and complexity in practical skill learning and performance. The effects of its use among students, educators and nursing personnel is explored.
