Helping students to learn in the clinical environment.

If students are to achieve a positive learning experience, it is vital that they receive adequate supervision and mentoring. However, while student numbers are increasing, staff numbers have been depleted in many hospitals, as a result of which the students' learning experiences can suffer. The author recognised that both parties need support, and so developed a student learning model, to ensure that learning activities were structured during clinical placements. The model focuses on five key areas: clinical work with a mentor or other nurse; observing practice; researching a relevant subject; the use of a learning pack related to the clinical area of the placement; and visits to departments outside the base placement. The article describes how to use the model and gives feedback on the project.