title: An action research project to evaluate the clinical practice facilitator role for junior nurses in an acute hospital setting.
abstract: It has been well documented that newly qualified nurses require support in developing confidence and professional competence. Although preceptorship models have gone some way in addressing this need, innovative and flexible models of facilitation and development are also required to respond to local demands. In the project reported here a number of supernumerary clinical practice facilitators (CPFs) were appointed to support both healthcare assistants and newly qualified registered nurses to enhance their competence and clinical skills. It was anticipated that they might also encourage awareness of other professional issues, such as evidence-based practice, as well as having a positive influence on the clinical learning environment and staff morale. This article describes how an action research approach was used to establish the CPF role in a variety of clinical areas across a large inner-city National Health Service Trust. It outlines the evaluation undertaken and the further contribution that such roles could provide.
authors.affiliation: UCL Hospitals, Nursing and Governance, Middlesex Hospital, Mortimer Street, London W1N 8AA, UK.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory; D012944:Social Support