Kickstart in nursing home—Nursing students experiences of a model for active and collaborative learning in clinical placement

AbstractAims and objectivesTo explore students' experiences from a pilot project testing out a model for active, collaborative learning in first‐year placement at a nursing home.BackgroundThere is a need for innovative learning activities and projects to improve clinical education in nursing homes. Active, collaborative approaches in placement learning may enhance students learning outcome.DesignThe study had a qualitative and explorative design, in which the experiences of students participating in the pilot were investigated through paired interviews at the end of their placement.MethodsTwenty‐two students participated in the study, and data from paired interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. COREQ reporting guidelines were used.ResultsThree themes emerged from the analysis: (1) The learning cell as facilitator for learning; (2) Discovering learning possibilities in nursing homes and (3) Applying tools and resources for learning.ConclusionsThe model could reduce tension and anxiety while helping the students focus on learning options and use their environment more actively for learning. Working with a learning partner seems to increase student learning throug