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Learning on the periphery: A pilot study of an undergraduate nursing student communities of practice model

Objective: Nursing shortages have led to an increased student nurse education and a greater need for work integrated learning among limited health services. A Communities of Practice student placement model was developed to address this deficit, while facilitating greater peer-to-peer learning, and incidental, yet essential, support and learning between junior and senior students. An exploratory study was undertaken to examine the experiences of key stakeholders, students and clinical staff regarding the Communities of Practice model.Methods: After implementation interviews were conducted with six (n = 6) students and three (n = 3) nursing staff, two (n = 2) nurse managers, and one (n = 1) clinical educator. Interviews examined the benefits and challenges of the new model, while further guiding its refinement. Interview data were analysed thematically.Results: The Communities of Practice student placement model, although met with initial hesitancy, was indicated to be a positive learning experience for all participants. Specifically, five key themes emerged, including increased support for junior students, extended learning among senior students, unexpected discoveries for staff and students, workload decision-making and implications for staff, followed by the need for adaptability and further insights to modify the model.Conclusions: The study demonstrated the capacity to increase student placement numbers, while effectively increasing the level of support, mentorship, and learning among students, and assisting nurses in their roles. Overall, the model has also been suggested to offer the near-peer support desperately needed for junior students, while at the same time, offering more senior students the foundation upon which to develop their leadership skills.