The expansion of simulation in schools of nursing and health care settings, the growing body of research on simulation in nursing, and general excitement among nurse educators about simulation are clear evidence that simulation will continue to be an important method for educating nursing students. As we embrace simulation, though, let us not lose sight about the need for clinical practice in a nursing program and the critical role of the clinical teacher.

Clinical practice provides the opportunity for students to care for "real" patients and families and transfer what was learned in simulation and class to patient care. Students get to use and adapt the skills they developed through simulation with their own patients. In the clinical setting, students develop as professionals and learn to interact with other health care providers. They can advocate for their patients and are exposed to ethical situations, some of which are resolved differently than the scenarios they examined in class. Students have an opportunity to collect and analyze data, think through possible approaches to use, and make informed decisions within the context of patient-centered care. They have a chance to compare their patient's conditions and responses to the concepts they are learning in class. The exemplars the faculty member used in class or online "come alive" when they relate to a patient for whom the student is caring or is discussed in a postconference. As students practice in clinical settings, they gain awareness of their own learning needs and competencies to be expanded.

We know that students learn best in a positive and supportive learning environment; in that environment, students view the teacher as an expert whose goal is to help them learn and develop as professionals. The clinical teacher is key to establishing that environment.1 Clinical teachers plan creative learning activities for students to meet the outcomes of the course, develop their clinical competencies, and transfer what they are learning in class to practice. Previous experiences of students differ widely, and competencies must be used or practiced to maintain them.2,3 Clinical teachers recognize where students need more learning and practice and view those gaps as areas for further development rather than deficits in performance.

Clinical teachers work with preceptors, managers, staff, and others to create a positive experience for students. They ensure that everyone understands the goals to be met and has consistent expectations of students. They are role models for students, and how teachers respond to situations in the clinical setting can make a lasting impression. Clinical teachers are skilled practitioners who provide a needed link to clinical practice for the nursing program.4

The role of the clinical teacher is demanding: balancing the needs of students and staff, keeping up-to-date with clinical knowledge and skills, and managing the time commitment in addition to other teaching and personal responsibilities. The best clinical teachers are enthusiastic, care about students and respect them, set high expectations and help students meet them, give prompt feedback and evaluate fairly, are role models, and are passionate about patient care and clinical teaching. To all clinical nurse educators: thank you for guiding students in the clinical setting, preparing them for the realities of practice, and helping them develop as professionals.

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