Supporting pre-registration nurses within health visiting and school nursing

Area of Science:

• Community health nursing
• Public health nursing
• Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN)

Background:

• Health Visitor Implementation Plan (2011) led to reduced student nurse placements.
• Placements for health visitor and school nurse students were suspended until 2015.
• Reactivated placements now allow pre-registration students in SCPHN settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• Address queries from health visitors and school nurses regarding pre-registration nurses.
• Develop the quality of the practice learning environment for student nurses.
• Support student nurses' development in line with NMC Standards (2010).

Main Methods:

• Review of current practices in health visiting and school nursing.
• Analysis of learning needs for pre-registration student nurses.
• Guidance development based on NMC Standards for pre-registration nursing education.

Main Results:

• Student nurses are returning to specialist community public health nursing placements.
• Health visitors and school nurses require guidance on supporting student learning.
• Established standards provide a framework for quality practice learning environments.

Conclusions:

• The article provides answers to common questions regarding student nurse placements.
• It supports the professional development and revalidation of health visitors and school nurses.
• Ensuring quality learning environments is crucial for effective SCPHN training.