Nursing students’ practice learning: NMC to review evolving needs
Posted 11 January 2024 - 13:15
Nursing and Midwifery Council will examine proposals that will be based on independent research into whether changes is necessary. Stakeholders to be consulted
A review of nursing students’ practice learning requirements, including looking at overseas models, is to be undertaken by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
The regulator said independent research will establish whether any changes are needed. An external steering group will review proposals from the research and make recommendations to the regulator. A chair will be recruited for the group and the closing date for applications is 30 January.
Evolving nurse practice learning requirements
NMC executive director for professional practice Sam Foster said: ‘Demand for care is rising and people’s care needs are constantly evolving. The independent research will ensure that together with education institutions and practice learning partners, we’re continuing to support and prepare students to be the best nursing and midwifery professionals they can be when they qualify.
‘Input from our partners, including the public, will be invaluable and we look forward to gathering views over the coming months.’
Practice learning review: key points
What the independent research will involve:
- Looking at what contributes to effective practice learning across the UK and in other countries
- Exploring how practice learning varies internationally and the factors behind this
- Working with stakeholders, including the public, patients and service users, to understand if there are any further areas in practice learning that need to be explored
Source: Nursing and Midwifery Council
Clinical placement hours and increased scope for use of simulation
The NMC made changes to its education programme standards last January that included allowing simulation for up to 600 of the 2,300 clinical placement hours required to complete an undergraduate programme.
There have been calls to reduce the number of clinical placement hours nursing students must complete to qualify. The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, published last year, proposed cutting placement hours by more than 20%, from 2,300 to 1,800 hours, in a bid to reduce pressure on learners and increase placement capacity across the NHS.
The NMC said it would need to evaluate current practical education requirements for students before making any decisions on changes.
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