Clinical Scholars Development Program

 What is a Clinical Scholar?

 A Clinical Scholar is a Baccalaureate prepared (except by special permission) or higher level prepared registered nurse who works with a School of Nursing to instruct nursing students in a clinical setting. In general, Clinical Scholars maintain their current employment status in a clinical facility and ideally host nursing students there. Clinical Scholars assist with the valuable, hands-on instruction that can only be provided by skilled, veteran nurses. Additionally, Clinical Scholars will be involved in the evaluation of nursing students. 
 
Upon completion of this five day course the expectation is that the Clinical Scholar will be actively involved in teaching nursing students. Because of high demand for this education you should only register if clinical teaching is something that you want to pursue at the present time and fits within your current employment situation. Therefore, a discussion in your workplace may be appropriate to ascertain whether or not you can be freed up to expand your role in this manner.
 
Students who complete all 40 hours of the seminar will be eligible to receive nursing contact hours. The course is also available for graduate or undergraduate credit through Regis University.
 
I’ve never been an instructor before. Can I attend?
 
Absolutely! The Clinical Scholar Didactic Course was created for this very reason. In order to attend the seminar, you should hold at least a BSN (except by special permission), and be available to lead clinical rotations. Since space in the seminar is limited, only those who will actively seek out clinical rotations should attend. Some of the topics covered during the seminar include: 
  • The roles and responsibilities of the clinical scholar
  • Planning and managing a successful clinical rotation
  • Identifying learning styles of students, and how to work with each
  • Legal and ethical issues that guide the clinical role
  • The role of technology in teaching and learning
  • Handling difficult situations - such as a student nurse that is failing
  • And much more...

Project Team

  • Karren Kowalski, PhD, RN, FAAN
  • Marianne Druva Horner, CNM, MS
  • Deborah Center, RN, MSN, CNS
  • Ally Blanco

For more information, contact Ally Blanco, (303) 715-0343 ext. 22 or ablanco@coloradonursingcenter.org