Reforming the undergraduate nursing clinical curriculum through clinical immersion: A literature review

Abstract

Clinical immersion is a method used by various academic programs to narrow the theory-to-practice gap and assist students to transition from school to a new work environment. In the clinical immersion model, students embark upon a concentrated and intensive clinical experience, typically at the end of a semester or program. This literature review explored the various methods by which programs carry out the immersion clinical experience model and if the experience improved students' readiness for entry level positions. Findings from students, faculty, and preceptors showed that immersion experiences are successful in increasing student confidence and nursing skills; however, additional objective evidence is needed to show that the use of immersion experiences can improve graduate readiness for practice. Research is also needed to explore if any differences in student performance outcomes exist between clinical immersion at the end of each semester versus one in a capstone course.

Keywords: Clinical immersion; Curriculum reform; Curriculum transformation; Nursing education; Preceptorship; Theory-to-practice gap; Transition-to-practice.