title: Using more healthcare areas for placements.
abstract: The need for private, voluntary and independent placements in nursing programmes has become more important in recent years due to changes in where health services are delivered. These placements can be used effectively within nursing programmes to show students the realities of healthcare, and to challenge myths and attitudes. Dedicated time and resources need to be provided to discover and maintain these placements, and to ensure appropriate, high-quality learning opportunities. This article presents the findings of a national Higher Education Academy workshop, held at the University of Derby in November 2012. It explores three key issues discussed at the workshop: current practice and opportunities for learning; myths, attitudes and solutions; and maintaining the quality of placements. The use of PVI placements is seen as valuable and a set of recommendations are provided to assist in their use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Radiography and Healthcare Practice, University of Derby.
authors.forename: Lou
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sherratt
authors.forename: Bill
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Whitehead
authors.forename: Alwyn
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Brundrett
mesh_terms: D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004493:Education; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006113:United Kingdom