Abstract

This paper reports on the evaluation of a process developed over two years, intended to aid student nurses to enhance their job application writing skills and curriculum vitae development by inviting students to apply for their final practice placement thereby providing them with an element of choice. The evaluation of the process aimed to explore students’ perceptions on the strengths and limitations as well as suggested improvements and explore the perceived impact on application form and CV writing. A cross-sectional design using online questionnaires (year one and two) and a focus group (year one) gathered quantitative and qualitative data from a volunteer sample of final year adult and mental health student nurses. The majority of participants evaluated the process and their placement allocation with positive feedback. Three main themes in the qualitative data in both years were choice, process, and employability skills/readiness for employment, with the addition of a fourth in the second year: fairness. The process allowed students to develop skills in applying for jobs which they felt were beneficial for their future. Choice enabled students to tailor their final experience to their career aspirations and specific skill development, ultimately smoothing the transition into their future positions.