Setting Stage and Priorities In Nursing In nursing education, strategies like “Setting the Stage” and “Setting Priorities” help create a focused and engaging learning environment. These approaches prime students for participation, encourage reflective thinking, and help them navigate complex decision-making processes in clinical settings. This article explores how these strategies can be applied effectively in nursing education, covering their implementation and benefits.
Set the Stage as an Educational Strategy in Nursing Education
General Description
“Setting the Stage” is an ice-breaking strategy used to prime students for the learning experience at the beginning of a class, whether in an academic or clinical setting. During the first few minutes, the instructor sets expectations, covers housekeeping details, and outlines important announcements. This approach helps establish a professional tone, creating a sense of importance for the content being delivered.
For example, an instructor may introduce the class by reading a poem, sharing a short story, or playing music that aligns with the subject matter. This tactic is also an opportunity to introduce speakers or engage in light, interactive activities that create a comfortable learning atmosphere.
Example: An instructor could begin a class on adolescent health by reading a scenario about a 14-year-old diabetic patient who struggles with managing her condition. This story not only introduces the topic but also prompts students to reflect on the real-life implications of adolescent thinking and health management.
Preparation and Equipment for Setting the Stage
The tools required depend on the method chosen for setting the stage. If the instructor plans to play music, they will need a CD player or speakers for the classroom. For readings, a printed or digital text is sufficient. When using multimedia, such as a PowerPoint presentation or audio clips, the instructor should ensure all equipment is tested and ready beforehand. Additionally, it is important to credit the source material used, adhering to copyright regulations.
Example: To introduce a class on the history of nursing, the instructor might play a clip of Carly Simon’s song “These Are the Good Old Days,” setting a nostalgic and reflective tone for the discussion.
Implementation of Setting the Stage
Setting the stage can involve creative methods to engage students from the start. Activities such as “Quiz About Me” encourage students to share personal details, helping them and the instructor get acquainted and creating a more human, relatable environment. Other techniques, such as the “Stump the Professional” challenge, encourage students to pose questions that challenge the instructor, fostering mutual respect and a collaborative learning experience.
For maintaining a professional atmosphere, ground rules should be clearly communicated. For example, cell phones and other distractions must be silenced to maintain focus. Some instructors also lock classroom doors after the start of the class to prevent latecomers from disrupting the session.
Benefits:
- Fosters a professional learning environment
- Encourages participation and engagement
- Introduces class content in an accessible way
Strategy for Setting Priorities in Nursing Education
General Description
Setting priorities is a critical skill in nursing and is often a challenging aspect of both education and practice. This strategy helps students develop the ability to prioritize patient care by drawing on their personal experiences, clarifying values, and understanding the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
For example, in clinical settings, students must often decide which patient requires immediate attention, a skill that requires both knowledge and judgment. Teaching students how to effectively set priorities ensures they are better prepared for real-world nursing challenges.
Preparation and Equipment for Setting Priorities
To implement this strategy, each student is provided with three index cards or small pieces of paper. These cards are used to represent values or priorities, which the students will arrange in order of importance. This exercise may also be enhanced with a PowerPoint slide introducing the concept of priority setting.
Example: In a class focused on the nursing process, each student writes three things they value highly on three separate index cards. They are then asked to rank the cards in order of importance. Afterward, students are asked to tear up one card, representing a loss. This action simulates the emotional challenge of letting go of valued aspects in real life, which helps them understand the difficulty and importance of setting priorities in patient care.
Implementation of Setting Priorities
The “Setting Priorities” exercise can be integrated into academic and clinical education. It encourages students to engage in self-reflection, considering how lifestyle changes, illness, or injury might affect personal or patient priorities. This strategy also works as a team-building exercise, as students share their thoughts with peers and explore the difficulties of setting priorities in a supportive environment.
Example: In clinical education, students can be asked to list three to four patient needs and then rank them in order of importance. This process helps novice nurses practice prioritizing patient care based on urgency, patient safety, and resources. As students tear up and discard their least important priorities, they gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and tough decisions nurses must make, particularly in high-stress situations like emergencies.
Benefits:
- Encourages critical thinking and reflection
- Prepares students for real-world decision-making
- Helps students develop the emotional resilience needed for patient care
Conclusion
Both “Setting the Stage” and “Setting Priorities” are valuable educational strategies in nursing education. They not only help students engage with course content but also promote critical thinking, emotional resilience, and reflective decision-making. By implementing these strategies effectively, nursing educators can enhance the learning experience, preparing students to face the complexities of the nursing profession with confidence and skill.