Nursing Commons^™

Enhancing Leadership Skills In Clinical Practicum: A Medical Surgical Nursing Class Experience, Gisela Schmidt

Faculty Publications

The healthcare system in the United States of America (USA) with its complex environment and fast-paced changes requires well-prepared professional nurses; with outstanding leadership skills to address the demanding challenge. Nursing schools need to prepare students for that role. To fulfill this commitment, a Medical Surgical II course from a Baccalaureate Nursing Program incorporated into its clinical experience the student team leader role. Leadership skills need to be learned. Instructors cannot expect nursing students to surge through leadership theory, graduate, be exposed to real world situations; and then simply assume leadership positions without hands-on exposure. Preparing nursing students during their …