Tensions experienced by student nurses in a changed NHS culture

The ideas for this paper were generated supplementary to my undertaking a wider investigation examining what it was like to be a surgical nurse. The study followed the clinical development of four student nurses and subsequently analysed how they managed their role within the ward. From observations, a series of operational tensions or pressures extant between specific members of the ward team were identified. These tensions were seen to manifest either because students felt ‘undervalued’ or akin to ‘a spare pair of hands.’ For this reason, students directed many of their ‘negative’ comments towards health care assistants, as they felt this latter group of staff were ‘taking away’ their role. Conversely, health care assistants were observed directing their own frustrations towards student nurses, who were perceived as inefficient, uncaring or devoid of clinical skills.