Second-year nursing students recently shared their experiences of planning and delivering a series of successful community health clinics across the NHS area of North Cumbria, highlighting the value of hands-on learning in Primary Care.
Working alongside Primary Care teams, the students independently planned, organised and delivered NHS Health Checks and blood pressure monitoring clinics in Carlisle, Orton and Workington. Using their placement hours to lead the initiative, they gained invaluable real-world experience while helping local communities access preventative healthcare.
The project enabled the students to strengthen a wide range of professional skills, including clinical practice, communication, teamwork, leadership and confidence in delivering patient care. It also demonstrated the important role that Primary Care placements play in developing the next generation of nurses.
Supported by locality leads, GP practice teams and the University of Cumbria, the initiative brought together education and patient care to create benefits for both the students and the communities they served.
"... It's never boring in primary care. You are able to see everything, do everything, and it's always nice to be part of the team and have that continuity. And see patients regularly throughout their GP journey."
(Enya, second year adult student nurse)
Following the success of the clinics, discussions are already underway about future events, helping to showcase the rewarding career opportunities available within Primary Care and support the development of Cumbria's future nursing workforce.
Watch the video on this page or here to hear directly from the students about what the experience meant to them and why opportunities like these are helping inspire the next generation of nurses.
A special thank you to all of the student nurses, participating GP practices, the University of Cumbria, Made in Melissa Bus and Kennedy's Chocolate Shop in Orton for supporting this fantastic initiative.
