Clinical Remediation and Nursing Education
What is Clinical Remediation
Clinical remediation is the act or
process of correcting deficiencies in nursing practice and promoting safe
patient care through the implementation of learning strategies to improve
critical thinking and clinical performance (Evans & Harder, 2013 Merriam-Webster
Dictionary Online). Clinical remediation may result from academic clinical
practice, and regulatory deficiencies identified through examination,
observation, peer review, or failure to successfully complete the minimum
standard of care (Evans & Harder, 2013; Walker Cillo & Harding, 2013).
Use Remediation in Clinical Learning
The application of clinical
remediation is multifaceted in nursing education. Nursing education does not
end with conferring a degree or giving a diploma. Continuing education is a
journey that all nurses, regardless of field of practice, travel for successful
and safe clinical practice. Remediation plans can be used in academia and
clinical practice, as well as for regulatory policies to maintain minimum
practice standards.
Remediation begins with identification
of deficiencies that can lead to unsafe practice. Clinical remediation is an
organized process comprising objectivity, openness, and transparency. It is
essential that the process respects the right to due process when engaging in
clinical remediation, remediation can be achieved through student centered
remediation that is adaptable to learning needs and deficiencies.
Plans should
be individualized using supportive strategies, including tutoring, advising
counseling, and skill building activities supporting remediation are
simulation, case presentation, and incorporation of theoretical and scholarly
resources (Evans & Harder, 2013; Gallant, MacDonald, & Smith Higuchi,
2006, Walker Cillo & Harding, 2013).
Benefits of Remediation In Clinical Area
Remediation is useful to assist a
struggling student to learn and achieve the minimum standards for practice and
to successfully complete the academic program. Nurse educators can identify
individuals who have performed poorly on actual and simulated clinical
encounters and examinations. Once the individual is identified, a structured
plan can be developed. This plan is structured to facilitate a positive and
supportive learning environment. It should include clearly stated learning
objectives, utilize multiple sources of evidence, and give timely feedback
(Evans & Harder, 2013, Gallant et al, 2006).
Impact of Remediation In Clinical Learning
Remediation methods used include
close observation, repetition, self-directed learning, structured classes,
scenarios, and case studies. Mechanical simulators and standardized patients
can be used to bring particular clinical populations to the remediation
experience. Regardless of the method, it is important to keep the remediation
focused on the individual ( Audétat , Laurin, & Dory, 2013; Evans &
Harder, 2013; Klamen & Williams, 2011, Lynn & Twigg, 2011)
The use of mechanical simulators is
an effective method of remediation. Case scenarios allow for repetitive
learning with immediate feedback and debriefing. This method allows for
identification of weaknesses and strengths of the individual. Case scenarios
can also be used with standardized patients who are trained to portray a real
patient encounter to simulate a set of symptoms with realistic interaction with
the nurse ( Klamen & Williams, 2011) by utilization to or
remediation include no utilization of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in
the development of the intervention(s), delay in remediation, as well as stress
and anxiety.
These challenges can be overcome with the use of a well-developed
plan and intervention. Early identification of a problem followed by early
intervention is the key to remediation success. Mutual respect between the
educator and the individual is the foundation for the initiation of any plan,
as well as guiding the individual to reflect and discuss progress ( Audetat et
al., 2013; Evans & Harder, 2013).
Concerns of Clinical Learning In Nursing Education
Clinical remediation has been a
main stay of nursing education and will remain an integral part of a student’s
education. Technological advancements, computerization, and simulation will
continue to be an important component of the remediation process. Integrating
case scenarios with mechanical simulation and the use of standardized patients
can lead to proficient actual patient encounters and care. The use of virtual
simulation can also be integrated into the remediation plan.
The cost of the faculty,
technology, and resources may have an impact on the future of nursing education
and remediation, sharing of resources by various schools can help overall
financial viability through the sharing of simulation labs, faculty, and
computer resources. Collaboration among health. care professionals are integral
to safe patient care. Patient safety, standards of care, and professional
development are the ultimate goal of remediation.