Student perceptions of effective nurse educators in clinical practice.

AIM: To explore baccalaureate nursing student perceptions of what makes an effective nurse educator in the clinical practice setting and the influence of effective teaching on student experiences. METHOD: Online surveys (n=511) and focus groups (n=7) were completed by nursing students enrolled in all four years of the baccalaureate programme. Data were analysed using content analysis. FINDINGS: Participants indicated that effective teachers foster positive experiences, motivation, meaningful learning and success. They were perceived to be prepared, person-centred, professional, passionate and positive, and to prepare students for success using active strategies. They adjusted to meet individual students' needs at each level of the programme. CONCLUSION: Important characteristics and factors in effective clinical teaching were identified. These may be used to develop effective clinical teaching initiatives.