Medical students' reactions to a nursing attachment scheme

This paper provides a description of preclinical students' reports after two shifts on a nursing attachment scheme. Quotations were taken from short essays which were submitted as part of their course work in psychology. The experience had clear effects on some students and could have lasting implications for their later work as doctors. Themes gathered from essays included aspects of patient care (loss of independence, uncertainty, and the effects of the hospital structure), the nursing role (especially the surprise at the high level of technical skill shown by nursing staff), the doctor's role (particularly the importance of the nurse-doctor relationship), and emotional reactions in students. The students raised several ethical issues. Although the attachment had many positive consequences, including an increase in motivation to continue on the medical course and an increased appreciation of the individual needs of patients, it did raise issues which the students were unable to deal with or analyse adequately. Further support and teaching in particular areas are recommended.