CLINICAL SUPPORT AND THE PROJECT-2000 NURSING STUDENT - FACTORS INFLUENCING THIS PROCESS

This paper reports on research commissioned by the English National Bo ard for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting into mentorship and cli nical support arrangements for Project 2000 nursing students in the ad ult and mental health branches. Interviews and observation data were g athered from staff and students in three of the demonstration centres. Findings showed that the terms 'mentorship', 'assessor' and 'supervis or' were used interchangeably and covered diverse roles in both clinic al and community settings. Generally there was an impression that staf f were willing to help students learn from their experience but felt u nprepared for the 'new nursing students'. Several factors emerged whic h seemed either to promote satisfactory experiences for students or in hibit their learning and enjoyment of the placement. These are discuss ed under the themes 'supernumerary status', 'team spirit', 'theory and practice', 'diploma level practice' and 'organization of nursing team s'.