Learning from each other: peer teaching and learning in student nurse training

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Skills Acquisition
• Pedagogy in Healthcare

Background:

• Student nurses are crucial for healthcare workforce continuity.
• Effective practical skill acquisition is fundamental to nursing competency.
• Current models of clinical skill transfer in nursing require examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the primary sources of practical skill acquisition for student nurses.
• To evaluate the perceived contribution of staff nurses, fellow students, and clinical teachers.
• To explore the implications of current learning dynamics for nursing education.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving a small group of student nurses.
• Semi-structured interviews or surveys to gather student perspectives.
• Analysis of student-reported learning experiences in clinical settings.

Main Results:

• Student nurses reported learning practical skills significantly from peer students.
• Staff nurses were also identified as key sources of practical skill development.
• Clinical teachers were perceived to have a limited role in hands-on skill transfer.

Conclusions:

• Peer-to-peer learning is a vital, yet often overlooked, component of nursing practical skills.
• There is a need to reassess the role and involvement of clinical teachers in practical skill mentorship.
• Educational strategies should integrate and leverage peer learning alongside formal instruction.