Comparison between the Portland model dedicated education unit in acute care and long-term care settings in meeting medical-surgical nursing course outcomes: a pilot study.

In order to improve the rigor and satisfaction of an adult health clinical experience in a long-term care setting and to increase student exposure to gerontological and long-term care nursing, the Portland Model Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) was adapted (DEU-LTC) to incorporate the team nursing model used in the facility. Quantitative findings suggest that beginning adult health students placed on the DEU-LTC performed equally to classmates placed on DEUs based in acute care hospitals on simulations, exams, and course grades. Long-term care staff found the adapted DEU model preferable to traditional clinical education models, and management observed increased staff professionalism following the launch of the DEU-LTC. Expansion of the DEU-LTC into other facilities is underway.