Process, feedback and safe environment.
First takeaway is that preceptors play an important role in the learning journey of the students. We are with them in the process of learning and need to be with them as they progress through their training. Our assessments are not geared towards an “end point” but rather a picture of their growth as we carefully deliver sound dialogue with students regarding their small successes. Giving feedback is essential to students as it would guide them if the track that they are currently taking will eventually lead to achievement of learning outcomes. I like it best when the nurse educators emphasized “disproportionate attachment to feedback” wherein students could either magnify a small win or over analyze a dent in their performance. The experience of nurse educators in giving feedback matters in building the students confidence in their clinical performance. Last takeaway is the emphasis of a "psychologically safe environment” wherein at this time and age students value their mental health and would most likely be affected by situations in the clinical area. When these clinical situations are not properly processed through a dialogue or a feedback, it creates an impact in their value as a student. Clinical educators must be sensitive in providing safe space for students to learn so that students can beautifully grow into the profession that they aimed for.
What challenges did you encounter when giving feedback to other people?
With our Filipino culture I think the way we handle feedback will always be taken in as something personal. We tend to be defensive when it comes to accepting feedback as we have the attitude of being “pikon” whenever we encounter feedback sessions. Either students would over rationalize over the act that they were given feedback to and then would turn away to the teacher who has given the honest feedback related to their performance. Students would sink and sulk over one feedback and teachers should be sensitive enough to handle these types of students so that they can bounce back from their experience. Again, well delivered feedback is the key to enhance students progress but sometimes the personal qualities of students also matter especially when they are not open to change and are hard on themselves whenever they encounter negative feedback.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Providing a safe environment is a good starting point for feedback sessions. I always remind my students that the purpose of feedback is to improve their clinical performance. Everyday is an opportunity to learn and improve oneself and feedback is not the end point to their nursing journey. When feedback sessions are given consistently, students value their progress and value the supportive environment that was given to them by their mentors.