Increased numbers of nursing students gaining valuable primary care experience

High quality, inspirational placements are key to securing a future primary and community care workforce.  Since October 2023, Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) has been working with GP Practices across Wales to increase the number of student nurse placements within primary care.  This has led to an increase of placements in GP surgeries from 18 to 71 in the past 18 months. 

Ian Mathieson, HEIW Director of Education Strategy and Transformation, said “Increasing opportunities for students in primary and community care is a critical part of building a sustainable and accessible healthcare workforce for the people of Wales. Student nurses are overwhelmingly evaluating their placement experiences as positive, highlighting the value of working with various members of the primary and community care team including GPs, Physiotherapists, Administrative Team, Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Health Visitors.

Many students describe their placements as inspiring and deeply impactful, with 74% of students saying they would consider pursuing a career in this setting.

Nancy Windibank (pictured with Healthcare Assistants who supported her placement), is a third-year student from the University of South Wales, has recently finished her placement in Oak Tree Surgery, Bridgend.   Her feedback underlines the importance of the whole primary healthcare team in facilitating the student’s learning:

"I would like to express my gratitude to each of you for your incredible support, guidance, and kindness during my placement. From the GPs, practice nurses, advanced nurse practitioner, physiotherapist, health care assistants, health visitors, receptionists, prescription team and administrative staff, you all played a vital role in making my learning experience so valuable."

Nancy goes on to explain the role each member of the team played in her learning, before finishing, "Your teamwork and dedication have made a lasting impact on my learning journey, and I will carry forward the knowledge and skills you have shared."

Nancy is hoping to seek employment as a General Practice Nurse when she finishes her course later this year. It is hoped that the placements may inspire other students to consider a role in Primary Care at the end of their training.