Purpose

A clinical instructor is an experienced practitioner who provides supervision during clinical practice and facilitates the application of theory to practice for students and staff learners. They assist the learner by setting clear expectations, providing effective feedback on their performance, and offering appropriate opportunities to meet their learning objectives.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences supports healthcare providers who actively participate in our students' education by offering excellent clinical training opportunities. Clinical instructors transmit skills and serve as mentors who convey the core values important to Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences: accountability, collaboration, honesty, inclusiveness, and wellness. 

Clinical instructors do what no textbook or classroom can accomplish. As a result, the students benefit from the community-based experience. In contrast, preceptors benefit from integrating new ideas and techniques into their practices, which are currently taught in academic health sciences institutions. 

Description

This presentation will introduce a resource packet designed to support occupational therapy fieldwork educators in effectively supervising and mentoring students. The packet provides practical tools, guidance, and strategies to enhance the learning experience for both students and educators. Attendees will gain an overview of the packet’s content and have the opportunity to reflect on ways to adapt resources for their own setting.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the purpose and key components of the OT Fieldwork Educator Resource Packet.
2. Describe how the packet can support supervision, communication, and student development.
3. Examine how the resource packet can serve as a model for developing support in other health professions.

Facilitator

Nicole Kuhl, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS
Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences

Speaker

Kelsee Hove, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS, DRP
Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy,  Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences

Dr. Hove graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Family Services and has a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Creighton University. Before joining DMU, she served as an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Drake University and as a clinical occupational therapist at On With Life. She earned a Certificate in Driver Rehabilitation Therapy from The University of Florida, is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist through the Brain Injury Association of America and is Lee Silverman Voice Training BIG certified. Her research has focused on brain injury intervention, concussion management, and driving rehabilitation. Dr. Hove is passionate about ensuring O.T.D. students develop a strong professional identity with enthusiasm and drive to grow and learn together. She strives to foster the development of critical thinking skills and reflection, enabling students to connect what they learn in the classroom to clinical practice.