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The adrenaline rush: nursing students' experiences with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service
1Centre for Nursing Research, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK. v.melby@ulst.ac.uk
Aim:
The aim of this project was to explore nursing students' experiences whilst on placement with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
Background:
The literature suggests that experiential learning can enhance understanding, knowledge and skills and has the potential for reducing the theory-practice gap.
Design:
A qualitative approach was utilized, employing diaries and focus group interviews to gather data. One hundred and fifty-four nursing students submitted diaries, producing a response rate of 69%, while 190 students partook in interviews (86%).
Findings:
Content analysis indicated that the students gained a new appreciation of the concept of holistic care, and that increased interprofessional understanding provides the foundation for improved quality of patient care.