Developing compassion in pre-registration education.

Compassion is a fundamental aspect of nursing and student nurses have to be able to demonstrate compassion in practice. Nurse educators in higher education institutions and clinical settings need to work together to prepare and support student nurses to deliver compassionate care. This article discusses the key components of compassionate care, and how students can be enabled to deliver high-quality care within rapidly changing, complex environments.

Creating supportive environments for students.

Appropriate clinical placements are an essential part of pre-registration nurse education. They provide students with the opportunity to learn practical skills and gain knowledge, so students' learning is heavily dependent on the quality of support mentors provide. At the end of each clinical placement, student nurses are asked to evaluate the experience.

Using vignettes to teach stroke care.

Although nurses are best placed to meet the needs of patients with stroke and their carers, evidence suggests they are inadequately prepared for this role. This article discusses the use of vignettes as a teaching and learning tool to develop pre-registration student nurses' knowledge of stroke management. An evaluation found they could be a useful learning tool for use throughout the nurse education programme.

Developing evidence-based practice among students.

In response to government initiatives and the rise in patient empowerment, nurses are increasingly being challenged to deliver high-quality care supported by evidence-based practice. This can be a challenge for nurse educators providing the foundation for pre-registration student nurses. Evidence-based practice within nursing is achieved by developing and supporting patient-centred approaches to care using the most current evidence.

Exploring the factors contributing to drug errors and how to improve knowledge.

Medicines administration is one of the high risk areas for nursing practice and a matter of considerable concern for practitioners, policymakers and the public. Drug errors can lead to devastating consequences for patients and for nurses' careers. It is an integral part of nurses' role, underpinned by legal and professional requirements (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2008a).