title: Effect of the dedicated education unit on nursing student self-efficacy: A quasi-experimental research study.
abstract: Although the Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) has shown initial promise related to satisfaction with the teaching/learning environment, few studies have examined student outcomes related to the use of the DEU as a clinical education model beyond student satisfaction. The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental study was to compare student outcomes from the traditional clinical education (TCE) model with those from the DEU model. Participants were students enrolled in a four-year baccalaureate program in nursing (n = 193) who had clinical education activities in one of three clinical agencies. Participants were assigned to either the DEU or a TCE model. Pre-clinical and post-clinical self-efficacy scores were measured for each group using an adapted Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (Schwarzer and Jerusalem, 1995). Both groups experienced a significant increase in self-efficacy scores post clinical education. The increase in self-efficacy for the DEU students was significantly greater than the increase in self-efficacy for the traditional students. Self-efficacy is considered an important outcome of nursing education because high self-efficacy has been linked to making an easier transition from student to nursing professional. This study supports the quality of the DEU as a clinical education model by examining student self-efficacy outcomes.
authors.affiliation: College of Health and Wellness, Carlow University, 3333 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States. Electronic address: legeorge@carlow.edu.
authors.forename: Lynn E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: George
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Health Sciences, 6001 University Blvd., Moon Township, PA 15108, United States. Electronic address: locasto@rmu.edu.
authors.forename: Lisa W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Locasto
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Health Sciences, 6001 University Blvd., Moon Township, PA 15108, United States. Electronic address: pyo@rmu.edu.
authors.forename: Katrina A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Pyo
authors.affiliation: Alex G. McKenna School, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA 15650, United States.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: W Cline
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D003162:Competency-Based Education / Q000379:methods*; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016294:Models, Nursing; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013338:Students, Nursing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Clinical education; DEU; Dedicated Education Unit; Quantitative; Self-efficacy