Debriefing Days for Student Nurses

We undertook a study to evaluate co-consulting as a structured approach to practice placement reflection days for final year student nurses. The broad aim of the activity was to provide student nurses with an opportunity to attend a peer-support session where they came together to share any challenges they might have faced during the placement element of their course, and to critically explore problems they may have been experiencing. The study was underpinned by a critical pedagogical approach, whereby individuals are encouraged to reflect on a challenging situation(s) and work together to come to conclusions in a supportive way (Mezirow, 2000; Freire, 1993).