Emerging Theories Influencing the Teaching of Clinical Nursing Skills.

Background: Recognition is increasing that many psychomotor skills essential for safe nursing practice are not being retained. New theories and methods are emerging that, when applied in an organized pedagogical model, could influence initial learning and the retention of critical psychomotor skills. Method: This article explains and applies emerging educational theories and concepts relevant to skills teaching in nursing. Results: Theories and concepts on cognitive load, deliberate practice, mastery learning, overlearning, spaced learning, and skill decay are integrated to provide a framework for teaching skills in nursing. An example is included of using this framework for skills instruction and practice. Conclusion: This framework may improve the nurse educator's ability to prepare learners to perform skills safely in both the skills laboratory and patient care settings and to retain skills.