A parent in the classroom - a valuable way of fostering deep learning for the children's nursing student

Changes and developments in child health have led to children who would not normally have lived, surviving with very complex needs. The psychosocial impact on the family unit is immense, which in turn has had an effect on children's nursing and nurse education. Psychological and sociological needs of the child and family are therefore, pivotal in any children's nursing curriculum. As a clinician I have a wealth of experience caring for families whose child has cancer and therefore, have an in depth knowledge of the pressures they face throughout their child's illness trajectory. Fortunately I have not personally lived the experience, therefore, it would seem that a parent would have much to contribute to the learning of student nurses regarding the psychosocial impact of diagnosis of a life-threatening illness on the child and family. This action research study examines and demonstrates the value of a parent in fostering deep learning in children's nursing students.