Student Placement of the Year: Community

Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust

In the words of a recent student nurse on community placement "I appreciated the multitude of experiences I encountered and the learning possibilities I had. I now possess a clearer comprehension of the role of a community nurse, and any preconceived ideas regarding community nursing no longer exist.I am still in contact with the team and occasionally pay them a visit. They are a remarkable team, and I will always remember my time with them"

Cheshire & Merseyside Training Hub and University of Chester

The 'Leadership Placements in Primary Care' project hopes to provided learners with a varied and interesting practice learning experience. This being through a timetable of activities which have been devised to support learners gain exposure to the nurses role within primary care. This includes the clinical role, but also in relation to service development and leadership. In addition the placement has been devised to support learners gain further understanding of primary care, career opportunities available to them and provided a innovative approach to increasing placement capacity. The project was piloted in October 2024, and received extremely positive feedback.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust

The Solent Safeguarding Team provided an exceptional placement experience, excelling in mentorship, education, and support. They prioritised my development through reflective practice, skill-building sessions, and unique learning opportunities, treating me as a valued team member. The team addressed emotional challenges compassionately, fostering resilience and well-being. Creative teaching strategies bridged theory and practice, including my involvement in delivering a Level 3 domestic abuse course. Their enthusiasm for safeguarding was inspiring, creating a supportive, motivating environment. Their dedication to my growth extended beyond expectations, offering guidance, feedback, and tailored learning experiences. This transformative placement instilled professionalism, confidence, and a passion for nursing.

NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Training Hub

The Training Hub team collaborated with the University Programme team to create and deliver a bespoke final 12 weeks’ rotational integrated placement entailing a broad exposure and experience in primary care/community setting. This innovative pre-registration course leads to dual qualification and required supervision, support and sign off from two professionals (Adult Nurse and HCPC registered professional). The rotational placement included experience in a Primary Care Network, Urgent Care Centre and Specialist Care Home. A range of quality assurance mechanisms and student centric approach resulted in many successful outcomes including employability of 4 of these graduates in the community setting.

North East London NHS Foundation Trust

All the staff at Barking and Dagenham District Nursing Team are incredibly welcoming and always involve students in every aspect of the learning process. I was also touched by the invitation to their Christmas party, which made us feel like a valued part of the team. Nurses in this DN team were mentors and great teachers deeply invested in students' development, ensuring that students are included in all activities. Their high-quality care and informative mentorship have been invaluable, making the experience both enriching and enjoyable. The emphasis was always on developing and upholding the professionalism of nurses and nursing students.

South Eastern Trust

The Downpatrick Community Mental Health Team excels in creating a structured, supportive, and inspiring learning environment for student nurses. By providing comprehensive orientation, regular mentorship, and innovative hands-on teaching methods, the team ensures students develop critical skills and confidence. Tailored learning processes and a commitment to professionalism and safety further enhance the experience. This exceptional environment not only integrates students into the team but also fosters a culture of enthusiasm and motivation, making the Downpatrick Community Mental Health Team a deserving candidate for the nursing award.

University of Bradford

The University of Bradford’s Faculty of Health Studies launched an innovative on-campus placement to expand placement capacity and align with the NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan. This three-week program integrates social prescribing and creative health practices, offering students practical experience in holistic, patient-centered care. Students engaged in activities like art, crafts, and walking interventions, while working on impactful projects such as a well-being walk and a dementia care film. Positive student feedback highlights the placement’s success in providing valuable non-clinical skills. Plans are underway to expand this initiative, with strong support from health and social care partners.

University of Brighton

The ‘Welcome to Our World’ (WOW) placement was developed collaboratively with students and service users in response to a deficit in local placement capacity and the need to develop more novel approaches to practice learning for undergraduate child nursing students. RNDA students were linked with a family and child with complex health needs for 8 weeks. Students visited the family weekly and completed self-directed learning activities which included a quality improvement project. Evaluation was very positive with students valuing the exposure to the lived experience of the families. Families reported feeling empowered in making a positive impact on student learning.

University of Salford

A collaborative from Greater Manchester set out to develop and evaluate an innovative interprofessional student placement scheme. Students from nursing, sports rehabilitation and diverse allied health professions were placed in care homes between 2021-2023. Working collaboratively with care home staff to address residents’ individual goals. Outcomes included the statistically significant and positive impact engagement had on staff and student’s knowledge, skill, and personal development, promoting person-centred, collaborative care. Transformation of perceptions of aged care and residents felt more valued and understood. Long term benefits included changes in the home to care plans, personalised exercise plans and activities, and new equipment.