Pre-clinical preparation of undergraduate nursing students

The clinical setting is the most valuable educational resource available to teachers of undergraduate nursing students. Proper use of this resource should involve adequate pre-clinical preparation of students, suitable clinical experience and clinical evaluation appropriate to the clinical context. A study carried out in August 1987 has shown justification for attempting to adequately prepare students in areas of clinical skills, communication and interaction skills. There is little value in students entering the clinical setting without such preparation, and without consideration of their learning needs.