<p>Aim The aim of the study discussed in this article was to understand the views of nursing students undertaking practice placements in emergency departments (EDs) and how they affect their professional development.</p> <p>Method A literature review was undertaken, followed by semi-structured interviews with seven nursing students. Data were collected using Brown et al’s (2008) ‘senses framework’.</p> <p>Findings Students enjoy and gain valuable experience from ED placements and integrate quickly into clinical teams.</p> <p>Conclusion Emergency departments can be good learning environments for nursing student, who can develop their communicative and practical skills, and their ability to work in teams.</p>