Research placements: are they a suitable alternative for student nurses?

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Sciences
• Higher Education

Background:

• COVID-19 disrupted health care education, particularly clinical placements for student nurses.
• Student nurses faced challenges with self-directed and simulated learning due to placement cancellations.
• Traditional clinical placements are essential for nursing program completion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a research placement as an alternative to clinical placements for BSc adult nursing students.
• To assess the effectiveness of research-based learning in bridging theory and practice.
• To determine if the research placement experience aligns with professional nursing standards.

Main Methods:

• A research placement was trialled with two second-year BSc adult nursing students.
• Students were guided by specific research questions and a structured reporting template.
• Learning was assessed based on its relation to the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council code of conduct.

Main Results:

• The research placement was found to be a successful alternative to traditional clinical placements.
• Students gained opportunities to actively seek and apply evidence to inform practice.
• The placement facilitated a deeper understanding of the Nursing and Midwifery Council code of conduct.

Conclusions:

• Research placements offer a viable and effective alternative for nursing students facing placement disruptions.
• This model provides practical experience in evidence-based practice and professional conduct.
• The initiative demonstrates potential for enhancing nursing education and preparing future practitioners.