This paper presents the findings of a survey of post-qualified nursing students undertaking an interprofessional studies programme in a higher education institution. The total population of students surveyed included nurses, midwives, social workers and youth and community workers. However, the findings presented here centre on the data generated from the nurses. The participants made a retrospective evaluation of their educational experiences through focus groups and the use of a semi-structured questionnaire. Out of a potential 36 nurses, 32 (88%) participated in the evaluation. Overall, the nurses appraised their learning positively, although the qualitative data highlighted the complexity of the experience and the importance of skillful facilitation. Learning to work collaboratively entails more than learning about the practical roles of other occupations; it includes an understanding of the knowledge bases, aspirations and values that underpin those roles. The paper contributes to current debates about the most effective ways to prepare nursing students to work interprofessionally. It highlights the importance of evaluating the experiences of those taking part in interprofessional initiatives. This is a distinctive departure from much nursing research in the field in that it gives a voice to participants and identifies how their voice may shape interprofessional policy agendas.
Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.