Education: perceptions of supernumerary status.

This, the first of three related articles, explores the attitudes of students, preceptors and lecturers to supernumerary status. While the contractual aspect of supernumerary status is understood by the three groups, there is confusion about the educational aspect. Next week, the reality of supernumerary status from the experience of students will be examined, while the final article will look at the role of students, preceptors, sisters/charge nurses and lecturers in the implementation of supernumerary status.