Impact of the dedicated education unit teaching model on the perceived competencies and professional attributes of nursing students

The Dedicated Education Unit clinical teaching model is a strategy designed to create optimal teaching and learning environments. Evidence is lacking regarding the influence of the Dedicated Education Unit model on students' specific nursing competencies and professional attributes. This descriptive, comparative study took place in a private baccalaureate nursing program in the United States. The researchers compared evaluations of student competencies and attributes who participated in a Dedicated Education Unit model (n = 163) to students who participated in a traditional clinical teaching model (n = 147) immediately following the practicum in which the Dedicated Education Unit model was used. The Dedicated Education Unit group scored significantly higher in 26 of 33 specific competencies and professional attributes compared to students who participated in the traditional clinical teaching model. These data suggest that the Dedicated Education Unit model promotes knowledge, competency, and professional attribute development more effectively than the traditional clinical teaching model.