What You Will Learn

• How to utilize the NLN Academic Clinical Educator Competencies frameworks in assuming the facilitation roles and responsibilities of a clinical nurse educator
• How to design effective clinical learning experiences across academic and practice settings using diverse models of clinical education and educational theories
• How to create a plan to implement evidence-based strategies to develop clinical judgment and competence, using Clinical Judgment Models, facilitative practice and debriefing models
• How to design competency-based assessments and evaluations that align with clinical learning objectives and promote learner development
• How to create psychologically safe and inclusive clinical learning environments that support diverse learners and foster professional identity formation
• How to plan strategies in managing complex learner situations using facilitative approaches and ethical-legal guidelines

Course Purpose

Many expert clinicians transition into clinical teaching with extensive practice experience but little formal preparation in education. This course bridges that gap by introducing the foundational principles of clinical education, including educator roles, evidence-based teaching strategies, learner-centered pedagogy, assessment, and effective clinical planning. Through practical tools, authentic scenarios, and guided application, participants develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to become effective clinical educators who foster safe, meaningful, and high-quality learning experiences

Competency-Based Education is now the dominant model in nursing education. Clinical educators must align instructional practices and competency assessment with clearly defined standards – a shift that affects educators at every level, from novice clinical instructors to experienced faculty and preceptors.

Six Course Modules to Guide You 

1. Roles & Clinical Education Models

Explore the roles of the clinical educator and evidence-based clinical education models that support effective teaching, learning, and student development in diverse practice settings.

2. Clinical Judgment & Critical Thinking

Develop strategies to foster learners' clinical judgment, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning through evidence-based teaching and coaching approaches.

3. Assessment & Evaluation in Clinical Education

Learn to assess learner performance using competency-based, fair, and evidence-informed evaluation strategies that promote clinical competence and safe practice.

4. Psychological Safety & Learner Support

Create inclusive and psychologically safe clinical learning environments that promote learner engagement, confidence, well-being, and professional growth.

5. Reflective Thinking for Growth

Use reflection, feedback, coaching, and debriefing techniques to strengthen learners' clinical judgment, self-awareness, and lifelong learning.

6. Navigating Complexity

Develop practical strategies for managing complex clinical teaching situations, including learner accommodations, unsafe practice, professionalism concerns, and clinical failure, while upholding ethical, legal, and educational standards.