Training and Preparedness of Clinical Coaches for Their Role in Training Student Veterinary Nurses in the United Kingdom: An Exploratory Inquiry

The experience student veterinary nurses (SVNs) have in the clinical learning environment (CLE) can be highly influenced by the clinical coach (CC); the supervisory relationship will affect student retention and clinical competency. To support a positive student experience the training and development of CCs must be critically reviewed and regularly updated. The aim of this research was to ascertain the current CC training undertaken and preparedness of CCs for their role in training SVNs. Using a prospective cross-sectional study design, an online survey was distributed over a period of 4 weeks to CCs across the United Kingdom, representing a range of educational institutes, generating 80 responses. The median (±IQR) time that CCs had been qualified practitioners prior to undertaking their initial CC training was 2.20 (±4.16 years). CCs stated they needed more course content during their training regarding student teaching and pastoral support, more support from associated institutes and there was a call for a longer training period leading to a formal qualification. Providing CC training with broader course content and some level of evaluation should be considered to develop and assess the non-clinical skills which are vital to the role