Nursing and midwifery programmes are made up of theory and practice
contexts. Practice placements in Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS
Trust (GSTT) are designed to expose students to a variety of learning
experiences thus enabling the student to develop an understanding
of healthcare needs and so to develop the knowledge, skills and
attitudes (competencies) needed to provide high-quality patient
centred care.
The NHS Plan (DOH, 2000) outlines workforce investment
including 20,000 more nurses. GSTT works with its Higher Education
Institution
partners, London South Bank University (LSBU) and Kings College
London (KCL) and South East London Workforce Development in maximising
recruitment to pre-registration nursing and midwifery courses.
The partnership and collaboration between the Trust, the Higher
Education Institutions and the Confederation in training and educating
the pre-registration students is to provide workforce of the future
that has the patient at its centre.
The number of pre-registration nursing and midwifery students that
GSTT commissions are in response to service changes, service development
and an aging workforce who are close to retirement. GSTT at present
supports 600 Adult Branch students, 150 Child Branch students and
50 Midwifery students.
Practice placements
in the Trust are planned for students to be exposed to a variety
of learning opportunities and outcomes, and
to undertake practice under supervision. The practice placement
provided for each student has a bearing on his/her ability to work
effectively to integrate theory to practice. Pre-registration nursing
and midwifery practice placement provision takes place with all
key stakeholders mentioned under Workforce Planning. There is a
shared outcome with equal commitment from the Trust and HEI staff.
Placement areas are prepared and developed to ensure that students
experience good patient centred care provision.
Effective pre-registration nursing and midwifery practice based
education training requires efficient relationship between the
student and his/her mentor. An associate mentor and mentor facilitate
and assess student learning, enabling them to achieve required
learning outcomes and competencies. In order for such learning
to take place effectively, associate mentors and mentors are prepared
and supported by link lecturers, Practice Development Nurses, Lecturer
Practitioners and Clinical Placement Development Manager.
In accordance with principles and guidance for good practice identified
by the ENB (2001) the Trust expects students to be active in their
own learning and recognises that support is needed to help them
identify individual learning needs and to make best use of the
learning available. Again, the Trust recognises the continuing
professional development in staff for the provision of a learning
environment and the maintenance of high-quality care for patients.
In implementing the above, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital
NHS Trust demonstrates commitment to a co-ordinated approach to
the planning, delivery and evaluation of pre and post-registration
nursing and midwifery education.
Useful Contact: Placement Development Manager
0207 7188 1653
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