Case study: Creating a model learning environment

Singleton Hospital’s Day Surgery Unit in Swansea has been recognised as a model of excellence in student nurse support after winning a Practice Education Facilitator Award from Swansea University. The accolade, presented at the university’s Student Practice Supervisor/Practice Assessor Awards ceremony, was based entirely on feedback from student nurses and highlights the unit as an example of good practice for healthcare organisations seeking to strengthen their learning environments.

This case study explores the principles, approaches and outcomes that led to the award, offering transferable learning for other hospitals and clinical settings.

Recognition built on student feedback

The award recognises the Day Surgery Unit team for consistently going beyond minimum placement requirements to create meaningful, inclusive and confidence-building learning experiences for student nurses.

Feedback submitted by students described a placement culture where learners felt welcomed, supported and genuinely valued:

One student said: “They consistently provide outstanding support for student nurses.”

Students highlighted the unit’s strong focus on compassion, inclusion and adaptability:

“What sets the Surgical Day Unit apart is the compassion and understanding they show towards students who may require additional support.”

“The team are incredibly responsive and adaptable, ensuring reasonable adjustments are made without compromising the student’s learning experience or confidence.”

“They demonstrate patience, encouragement, and a genuine desire to help every student succeed, no matter their individual learning needs.”

Judges also noted that students reported increased confidence, feeling listened to, and being actively encouraged to ask questions, reflect on practice and develop clinical skills. The team was praised for leading by example, demonstrating professionalism, kindness and teamwork, and creating what was described as a model learning environment.

A whole-journey learning experience

The Day Surgery Unit undertakes minor, intermediate and major surgery performed under local, regional and general anaesthesia offering students a unique opportunity to follow the entire patient journey – something not always possible in larger acute hospital settings.

Students are involved in:

• Pre-assessment
• Admission and preparation
• Surgery, anaesthetics and scrub
• Post-operative recovery and ward care
• Discharge and follow-up

This continuity allows students to see how decisions made at each stage impact patient experience and outcomes, reinforcing learning across perioperative care pathways.

Leadership that values individual learners

Day Surgery Unit Manager Dorina Stanciu said the award reflected a team-wide commitment to recognising every student as an individual and tailoring support accordingly.

“We recognise every student as an individual and always look at ways to help each one. We are so pleased to have been nominated and awarded the Practice Education Facilitator Award, and I am incredibly proud of the team and the work they do with students.”

She emphasised the importance of sharing experience and knowledge with the next generation of nurses, particularly for students arriving feeling apprehensive or those from overseas without family support nearby.

“Many students arrive anxious, and some come from overseas with no family close by. It’s important that we help and support them in every way possible. They are treated as real team members, given responsibility and tasks, and supported to build confidence.”

Dorina added that seeing the full patient journey within the day surgery setting provided invaluable experience and helped students better understand their future professional roles.

“They see pre-assessment, admission, preparation, surgery, recovery and follow-up. That complete picture is invaluable.”

A team approach to student development

Ward Sister Corinne Thomas echoed these sentiments, highlighting the time and care invested in understanding each student’s strengths and areas for development.

“We spend a lot of time with students, finding their strengths and weaknesses, and that’s a part of the job we really enjoy.”

She explained that students are supported to feel seen, understood and empowered:

“They get a real 360-degree look at the job. Students are valued members of the team, they know they have an important role to play, and they understand the choices and responsibilities that come with nursing.”

Key learning points for other hospitals

The success of Singleton Hospital’s Day Surgery Unit offers several clear lessons for organisations seeking to improve student nurse experiences:

• Value students as team members, not observers
• Adapt learning approaches to meet individual needs
• Provide exposure to the full patient pathway wherever possible
• Create a psychologically safe environment where questions and reflection are encouraged
• Lead by example, modelling professionalism, kindness and teamwork

Winning the Practice Education Facilitator Award is a testament to the culture fostered within Singleton Hospital’s Day Surgery Unit – one built on compassion, inclusion, adaptability and excellence in education. By placing students at the heart of the clinical team and investing in their development, the unit has created a learning environment that not only supports students but strengthens the future nursing workforce.

As healthcare education continues to evolve, this case study demonstrates that outstanding student support is not about resources alone, but about values, leadership and a genuine commitment to learning.

Picture shows the award-winning Singleton Hospital’s Day Surgery Unit team.