Developing clinical placements for nursing students in general practice: a survey of the views of practice nurses

General practice has not routinely offered clinical placements within pre-registration nurse education curricula, and its future role in this area is uncertain. This paper describes a survey of the views of practice nurses within one inner-city primary care trust (PCT) about their role in the provision of mentorship and the issue of general practice placements in pre-registration nursing curricula. Findings are analysed in relation to the local/national context(s) and study methodology. Recommendations are made in respect of the preparation of practice nurses as mentors and the potential future role of general practice placements in pre-registration nurse education curricula.