Enhancing clinical nursing education for Gen Z students through brain-based learning

Abstract

Clinical nursing is the most significant aspect of nursing education. An early exposure to clinical practice can be beneficial for nursing students, fostering a deeper comprehension of real-life nursing care. However, this experience may induce stress among students who might feel underprepared for the significant responsibilities involved. To ensure students attain their utmost potential in acquiring clinical knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality care, it becomes imperative for clinical instructors to critically reflect on their teaching methodologies. Incorporating innovative teaching methods is crucial for engaging students actively and instilling a sense of challenge and motivation during bedside clinical nursing. To involve nursing students actively in clinical learning, instructors need to connect brain neurotransmitters in the quest for learning. Without sufficient stimulation of the brain and its neurotransmitters and hormones during the learning process, students may struggle to grasp and retain knowledge over the long term. This literature review highlights the significance of using the brain-based approach in clinical education to address the needs of Gen Z students. Embracing a brain-based approach can lead to a revolutionary change in nursing education and clinical practice. By associating the brain’s physiology and leveraging advanced learning processes, clinical instructors can adeptly cultivate patient-centered, critical-thinking, practice-ready nurses.