Implementing civic engagement placements for nursing students in community organisations: a pilot project
Intended for healthcare professionals
Evidence and practice    

Implementing civic engagement placements for nursing students in community organisations: a pilot project

Pamela Donaghy Senior lecturer, Faculty of Health, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England
Mark Arnold Head of practice learning, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, England

Why you should read this article:
  • To recognise the role of community organisations in enhancing population health

  • To familiarise yourself with what is involved in civic engagement placements

  • To understand the benefits of civic engagement placements for nursing students and community organisations

Non-clinical placements for nursing students may be beneficial in preparing students for providing care in integrated environments, supporting a focus on health promotion and increasing placement capacity. This article discusses the benefits and challenges of implementing the Clinical Placement Expansion Programme (CPEP) using a long-arm supervision model. Non-clinical practice learning opportunities were developed in partnership with local community organisations, in a spirit of civic engagement. As a result of these placements, nursing students developed their understanding of health inequalities, vulnerable populations and the effects of asset-based community development, while contributing positively to the activities of the organisation through involvement in well-being initiatives. The placements also improved students’ well-being, enhanced their knowledge of services and enabled them to experience alternative leadership models. To implement a civic engagement strategy for future healthcare professionals, further research is necessary to develop a sustainable framework for non-clinical placements. Additionally, universities will need to expand civic partnerships to affirm their role as anchor institutions for health in the community.

Primary Health Care. doi: 10.7748/phc.2023.e1813

Peer review

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software

Correspondence

pamela.donaghy@edgehill.ac.uk

Conflict of interest

None declared

Donaghy P, Arnold M (2023) Implementing civic engagement placements for nursing students in community organisations: a pilot project. Primary Health Care. doi: 10.7748/phc.2023.e1813

Published online: 04 October 2023

Want to read more?

Already subscribed? Log in

OR

Unlock full access to RCNi Plus today

Save over 50% on your first 3 months

Your subscription package includes:
  • Unlimited online access to all 10 RCNi Journals and their archives
  • Customisable dashboard featuring 200+ topics
  • RCNi Learning featuring 180+ RCN accredited learning modules
  • RCNi Portfolio to build evidence for revalidation
  • Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
Subscribe
RCN student member? Try Nursing Standard Student

Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now

Or