The UTHSC College of Nursing offers Dedicated Education Units (DEUs) as part of its
clinical instruction in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. A DEU is
an innovative academic practice partnership model that offers the opportunity to share
knowledge, expertise, and other resources in educating student nurses in the clinical
environment.
What is a DEU? A DEU is a nursing unit in a hospital that is assigned or dedicated to only one college
or program of nursing. Unlike a traditional clinical model, selected expert nurses
from the unit facilitate student learning rather than college faculty. The goal is
for selected nurses (clinical teachers) to work with the same students throughout
their clinical rotation. The initial training for the clinical teachers is provided
by lead DEU facilitators at UTHSC. The academic faculty also remain on the unit to
serve as a resource for the staff and students during the clinical rotations.
Benefits to Clinical Teachers. The DEU model provides ongoing opportunities to learn how to teach or coach students.
The DEU model also enhances personal satisfaction and professional growth, offers
career ladder opportunities, develops leadership skills, and offers the recognition
of being an expert clinician. The clinical faculty members remain on site to provide
support to the clinical teachers.
Benefits to Students. The DEU model allows students to build positive relationships with unit staff, increases
feelings of belonging, builds self-esteem, decreases anxiety levels, and builds a
realistic perspective on nursing.
Benefits to the Organization. The DEU model aids in maintaining a positive relationship with the partner school,
builds staff morale, promotes a culture of learning, serves as a recruitment and retention
strategy, and improves the new graduate's transition to professional nursing.
