Abstract
The literature recognises a relationship between clinical experience and a successful undergraduate experience in nursing; however what constitutes an effective approach remains the subject of debate, particularly in relation to first year of learning. There is evidence from a biological standpoint that early experience impacts on the behavioural development of animals, described by Konrad Lorenz (1903–1989) as ‘imprinting’. The concept of imprinting has resonance for nursing. In this article the importance of ‘getting it right at the beginning’ is explored and what, if anything, Lorenz's theory tells us about the impact of early clinical learning on subsequent professional development.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 161-164 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Nurse Education in Practice |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2013 |
Keywords
- clinical practice
- medical education
- nursing
- professional development
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health Professions(all)