PNs: Facilitators of Learning?

Abstract

This study considered the feasibility of practice nurses supervising Diploma of Higher Education (Nursing) students for a short practice placement. Ten practice nurses facilitated a 10 day placement at the commencement of the Branch Programme. The results of this placement were compared to that of a control group of ten students who were facilitated by health visitors, the usual practice placement at this time. Information was gathered from both facilitators and students prior to and upon completion of the placement through interview and questionnaire. It was found that students facilitated by practice nurses consistently move further forward in their learning outcomes and competency than students facilitated by health visitors. The study demonstrated that practice nurses are a valuable resource for educating students which has to date not been appropriately utilised