Has anyone seen the student? Creating a welcoming practice environment for students.

A person's introduction to a new environment, whether they are a patient or a student, is critical. Although patients have the 'Hello my name is …' campaign to make them less anxious when entering a clinical setting, there is no equivalent for students. Making both patients and students welcome is essential to establishing a rapport and a sense of belonging at a time when each can feel at their most vulnerable. This can influence their journey into something that is positive or negative. This article explores some practical measures that can be adopted to create a welcoming practice environment for students.