Plymouth hospital recognised for excellence in student nurse placements
A local hospital team has been recognised by the University of Plymouth for its outstanding commitment to supporting student nurses during their clinical placements. The hospital received two certificates of recognition from the university’s placement team, following nominations from students themselves.
Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth - known locally as The Peninsular Centre, and celebrated its 20th Anniversary earlier this year - has been welcoming student nurses for several years, offering placements three times a year.
Vikki Beegan, who holds multiple roles at the hospital as Deputy Outpatient Manager, Lead Ophthalmology Nurse and Student Placement Coordinator, said the recognition was especially meaningful because it came directly from those on placement.
A nurse for over two decades, Vikki is passionate about supporting the next generation. For her, nursing has always been more than just a job:
“I always say it’s the best job in the world - and sometimes the most bizarre. No two days are the same, and you get to meet people at such an important point in their lives. It’s a privilege to be trusted with their care.”
Vikki’s enthusiasm for nursing is inspiring, and she admits that working with students helps her to see the profession through fresh eyes: “They remind you of the excitement of learning something new, of building your confidence step by step. It keeps you motivated too.”
Placements at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth are designed to give students a well-rounded and supportive experience. From their very first week, students are encouraged to shadow and then take part in real patient care, always under supervision. They might begin in outpatients, observing consultations and learning how to speak to patients in a reassuring and professional manner, before moving through pre-assessment clinics, theatres, day surgery and recovery - following the same journey as the patients themselves. This allows them to experience the full pathway, from admission to safe discharge.
“It can be daunting for first-year students,” Vikki explained, “but by the end of their placement it’s fantastic to see their confidence grow. Simple things like learning how to take observations or talk to a patient about their care are big milestones, and we’re there to guide them through every stage.”
Speaking about the recent recognition, Vikki said: “We’ve been awarded two certificates of recognition from the University of Plymouth, which were voted for by the students who’ve been on placement with us. It’s really nice for the whole team because every single member of staff here works with the students. To know that they’ve gone away and had a really good experience - that’s brilliant for us.”
The hospital team works collaboratively to give students a comprehensive experience of both NHS and private patient care, from admission through to discharge.
“I like the students to follow the same journey as our patients, so they experience every single part of the pathway and learn the skills for each area,” Vikki added. “It can be daunting at first, but by the end of their placement it’s fantastic to see their confidence grow.”
Sarah Fell, Hospital Director, said: “We’re very proud of our two awards as our colleagues always go above and beyond to support students here. All of our nurses are trained to supervise student nurses - not because they have to, but because they want to. We all believe in teaching, and we know these students will one day be looking after our families and ourselves. That’s a big responsibility, and we take it seriously.”
The recognition reflects not only the hospital’s strong relationship with the University of Plymouth, but also the dedication of its staff to nurturing the next generation of nurses.
Andy Cunningham, Healthcare Practice Placement Development Lead, Plymouth University, says: “Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth, has been hosting our nursing students for a number of years. These placements give them the chance to experience a wide variety of learning opportunities, and they receive a wealth of support from the hospital’s staff. The company has also been hugely accommodating and willing to host additional students, sometimes at short notice.
“This partnership has played a key role in helping a large number of registrants commit to the roles of Practice Assessors and Supervisors, and Vikki has been a fantastic placement lead behind all of that work. The nomination she and her team have just received, for a Placement Educator Award, is very well deserved. We look forward to continuing our work with Vikki and Practice Plus Group, enabling our students to experience learning in a supportive and enriching practice setting.”
Third Year Adult Nursing Student at Plymouth University, Tamunonengiofori, has been very impressed with the experience they have had at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth, saying: “Thank you for all your support and guidance throughout my placement at practice plus group. Your encouragement and reassurance made such a difference, and I truly couldn’t have done it without you.”
For placement and careers advice:
With strong retention rates and a supportive, close-knit team culture, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth hopes to inspire more student nurses to join its workforce after graduation. To find out more about opportunities at the hospital contact: careers@practiceplusgroup.com
Treatment at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth
Private patients can book consultations directly with Wellsoon private healthcare from Practice Plus Group, and NHS patients can ask their GP for a referral to the hospital. Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group hip and knee surgery is available from 4-6 weeks of seeing a consultant.
Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth is located on Brest Rd, Plymouth (PL6 5XP) and is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Visit www.practiceplusgroup.com
