Nursing Students’ Experience of Work-Integrated Learning in Nurse-Led Wound Clinics

Abstract

Background: Chronic wounds are primarily managed by nurses in the community and a skilled workforce is essential towards providing evidence-based care. Education providers are increasingly using non-traditional placements to prepare nursing students for practice as part of their work-integrated learning (WIL).

Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate undergraduate nursing students’ experience in a nurse-led wound clinic as part of their WIL.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of undergraduate nursing students completing WIL in a nurse-led wound clinic (n=4).

Results: Three themes emerged from the students’ experiences: developing confidence in wound care, recognising the differences in care, and managing specialist placements.

Conclusion: Undergraduate nursing students have the potential to gain specialised knowledge and skills in wound care and further research is warranted to determine the best learning environment for this to occur.