Models of Practice Learning

This chapter provides a background overview of education models where support for student learning is provided within a structured approach. This includes those described in the Royal College of Nursing review as facilitated education models: UK mentorship and practice educator facilitation; dedicated education units; and real-life learning wards. The process of becoming a nurse has long been based on role-modelling with the expectation that students learn to be nurses by working alongside nurses and developing the skills under instruction and supervision. The clinical educator role in the UK has evolved alongside the development of models of nurse education. Astley-Cooper suggested that a hub and spoke model would enable students to take control of their own learning, and access relevant experiences within a wider community of practice in order to understand the bigger picture of patient care. The chapter provides an overview of some of the commonly used approaches that have been applied in the UK.