Module 4 - Teaching and Learning Styles

All nurses teach.  This is simply an important element that is present in any field of nursing.  Some nurses teach more than others.  For example when I did my clinical rotations on the floor there was a great deal more teaching than I did as an operating room nurse.  I currently do a limited amount of teaching as I work in an endoscopy facility.  We focus our teaching on what procedure is being done.  We teach our patients what to expect both before and after.  In addition we teach in the recovery area based on what has been found. There our teaching may include information handouts concerning a newly diagnosed disease.  These include support groups for celiac sprue and cancer diagnosis.  We also teach information about any new medications the physician has placed the patient on and include an information sheet concerning the drug.

Sometimes I have a very inquisitive patient who wants to know how the scope works and what we see.  This is often fun for me as I usually have a few minutes prior to beginning the procedure where I can show these patients the scope and how it works.  They often will ask questions about other equipment present in the procedure room and I can show them how the monitor works and explain what we watch for as we ensure our patients' safety.  I have found that I really enjoy teaching the interested patient and that what is taught will often decrease their anxiety levels.

FYI - in connection with this module please notice that I have added a link (see top of page) where you can access the nurs 6004 mobile device wiki.  Here you can read what other nursing students have published with regard to mobile devices.  You may also join this group and contribute to the site by editing or adding additional information.