Why you should read this article:

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To understand why some nursing students may be anxious about working with people with cancer

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To learn how to support nursing students’ learning needs on specialist cancer practice placements

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To consider your own role in supporting nursing students on specialist cancer practice placements

Practice placements in specialist cancer services can provide preregistration nursing students with a range of valuable learning opportunities and a meaningful placement experience. However, some nursing students may have a negative attitude towards working in cancer services and may be anxious about working with people with cancer and their families. All nurses, including those acting as practice assessors and practice supervisors, have an important role in supporting students to overcome these issues and contribute to a positive learning experience. This article explores different ways in which nurses can support nursing students’ learning needs in specialist cancer practice placement areas. The authors also challenge nurses to reflect on how they support nursing students in such placement areas and to consider how they might develop this important component of their role.