Introduction – taking steps towards a new vision of nursing and midwifery practice learning

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores a breadth of research issues pivotal to successful practice learning for nursing and midwifery students and offers an alternative approach to support an inclusive, social model of learning. It reviews literature focusing on the explicit value attached to both ‘Comprehensive orientation and socialisation’ in practice learning. The book examines the literature on the value of peer learning and support in higher education. It outlines the teaching role of unregistered health care staff is explored through focus groups with student nurses, mentors and health care assistants. Expansive learning is led by the goal to discover what teaching and learning processes can assist all levels of clinical staff in supporting students to move effectively, and in a well-supported way, to the expertise or ‘graduateness’ required at registration and beyond.