A nursing attachment for medical students at Flinders University

To determine medical student response to the set objectives for a one-week nursing attachment, completed before their major clinical training, in a teaching hospital.

Linear ordinal scale assessments of the objectives, encompassing familiarization with ward and hospital practice, appreciation of the roles of nurses in patient care, the interaction between nursing and medical professions, and the acquisition of basic skills related to patient care and focus group discussions with students and with their nurse supervisors.

One hundred and sixty-four medical students at Flinders University who completed their nursing attachments in 1986 and 1990-1992.

Students thought there had been a uniformly high level of achievement of objectives. A number of suggestions were made by both students and supervisors to improve the program.

A period of nursing attachment for medical students, before their major clinical training, helps them to fit into usual ward routine, provides them with some basic patient care skills, and helps them gain greater understanding of and respect for the roles and responsibilities of nurses.