A case for clinical co-teaching: Challenges and opportunities

Co-teaching in clinical courses in nursing education is uncommon. It might initially be perceived as time-consuming and challenging. However, co-teaching has the potential to enhance the learning experience of students as well as transform the teaching practice of clinical instructors. Relevant literature was reviewed illustrating the challenges and opportunities related to co-teaching. An exemplar involving clinical instructors co-teaching nursing students on an acute care unit in an urban hospital was presented. The exemplar of co-teaching was then compared with the literature. Emerging strategies to facilitate collaborative clinical co-teaching include co-planning and ongoing preparation; understanding the co-instructor's teaching philosophy; clear communication between co-instructors and with students; and fostering an equitable relationship where power is shared.