Nursing Student Perspectives on a Quality Learning Environment in General Practice

Background
General Practice as a placement area for student nurses continues to increase within the UK. Practice support to ensure a positive learning experience is seen to be paramount (Willis 2012). Introducing new General Practice placements requires intensive support and preparation of placement areas and mentors to ensure a successful learning experience.
Aim
A qualitative study used interviews and focus groups to understand nine student nurses’ perspective of factors which impacted upon their clinical learning experiences in General Practice placements. This paper will explore the learning environment elements of the study.
Discussion
Students identified factors enabling their learning which were congruent with the characteristics of a good clinical learning environment, proposed by the Willis Commission (2012). Positive factors included nurse mentorship qualities, interdisciplinary practices, a high degree of student engagement in health promotion and education encounters with patients, giving them a new focus and motivation for learning.
Conclusion
Findings from the students’ perspectives suggest GP placements can provide a high quality learning environment. These factors enabled the development of analytical decision-making and professional autonomy, which students identified as being key components of their successful learning in practice.
Implications for practice
Further investment and support relating to increasing mentor development in General Practice will ensure a wider exposure and positive experience in this clinical practice area for student nurses. This may lead to reducing difficulties in recruiting to practice nursing in the future.