Every move counts in learning: Filipino clinical instructors' scaffolding behaviors in teaching medication administration

SummaryThe role of clinical instructors in preparing student nurses for the realities and dynamics of clinical practice cannot be underestimated. Previous literature has identified scaffolding as a diagnostic tool that enables both supervisor and learner to recognize knowledge-in-waiting and knowledge-in-use (Spouse, 1998). The pivotal role of scaffolding in the teaching–learning process cannot be underestimated. However, literature pertaining to its use in nursing is hard to locate (Dickieson, Carter and Walsh, 2008; Spouse, 1998). Hence, this qualitative study was conducted to capture nursing students' views and experiences of the scaffolding moves of their clinical instructors as they learn medication administration. From the thickness and richness of the descriptions of a select group of nursing students (n = 31) in a comprehensive university in the Philippines, three interesting and yet intersecting themes surfaced relative to the scaffolding moves employed by clinical instructors, which include: (1) thought-provoking; (2) focus-steering; and (3) action-enabling. The said moves are carried out in a timely fashion to facilitate students' acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes pertaining to medication administration. Through the understanding of clinical instructors' scaffolding behaviors, this study provides a platform for more effective clinical instruction aimed at supporting future nurses' role in medication safety.