Student nurses perceptions of supernumerary status in Northern Irland

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this study was threefold and was based on three research questions; how did students define supernumerary status, how was it implemented in practice and what effect did it have on them?BackgroundWhilst there has been much debate about supernumerary status and its value to nursing practice and education there has been little work carried out from the students point of view. DesignThis was a qualitative study. MethodsFocus group interviews were the method of choice based on the premise that the interaction between students/participants would generate rich experiential data.ResultsNine themes were generated that addressed the three questions askedConclusionsThere is a need to review what is meant or indeed expected from supernumerary status and increased clarity about what it is supposed to achieve.Relevance to clinical practice The status of student nurses in practice has a direct link to the quality of the work they produce. This has a domino effect that may have far reaching consequences. Making sure that they are clear about what is expected of them from the outset will reduce confusion and allow them to move forward with skills acquisition and building their experience.