Professional Experience Placement

A service learning activity (SLA) is an assessment item undertaken by a student on placement. It is a  negotiation between the student, their clinical supervisor or preceptor and UTAS lecturer to create an object or resource that can be of real value to their placement and their organisation.  This activity enables the development and maintenance of collaborative links between the University and professional experience placements.

SLAs provide creative opportunities to develop a brochure, poster, DVD, painting, installation, information booklet or children’s story. Students can also organise an education day, fun run or focus group activity. The only limit is the student’s imagination and those of the Service. However, the activity needs to reflect the application of nursing theory in the practice setting.

In addition to the development of tangible benefits there are other potential benefits for the health services, students and University. The School of Nursing and Midwifery has prepared an illustrated guide for preceptors and supervisors of student nurses in professional experience placement that provides a range of examples of previous SLAs developed by students on professional experience. For example, number 7 was a colourful  poster and matching leaflet promoting the value of immunistion for Human Papilloma Virus for boys. From  1 January 2013, boys are now also eligible for free vaccination funded by the Tasmanian Government. This SLA will continue to be useful to highlight the benefits for boys. This guide is especially useful for clinical facilitators, supervisors or preceptors who support and guide third year Bachelor of Nursing Students at UTAS.

If you have any comments about SLAs you are welcome to post them here.