The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
Vol. 36 No. 2 March/April 2005
By Donna L. Waddell, EdD, RN, CS; Nancy Dunn, RN, MS
ABSTRACT
A common problem in continuing nursing education and staff development is the transfer of learning to clinical practice. Peer coaching offers a solution to this problem. Initiated by educators, peer coaching has been researched in educational settings and found to be effective in facilitating the transfer of newly acquired knowledge and skill into classroom teaching strategies. This article describes the background, components, process, characteristics, and benefits of peer coaching. A specific example of using peer coaching to teach clinical breast examination skills is used to illustrate the application of peer coaching to the staff development of healthcare professionals. Peer coaching is the next step in nursing staff development.
AUTHORS
Dr. Waddell is Professor of Nursing, North Georgia College & State University, Dahlonega, Georgia. Ms. Dunn is Consultant, Oregon Health Division, Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, Portland, Oregon.
Address correspondence to Donna L. Waddell, EdD, RN, CS, Department of Nursing, North Georgia College & State University, Dahlonega, GA 30597.
