ABSTRACT
This paper focuses on the experiences of nursing students on a student-managed ward, the purpose of which was to empower students for the nursing role. Five nursing students operated and managed a nursing home ward for eight weeks during their final year of nursing education. The students claimed that a group of five students was beneficial. However, a group of five was too large for one nurse to follow up. The students reported that they needed visible supervisors in order to develop professional nursing skills, both in terms of knowledge and practical implementation. The students argued that they became more independent through this form of organisation, since the supervisor was not constantly watching everything they did. The students felt more responsible for the daily running and follow-up of the patients because they were in charge. Peer-assistant learning was highly recommended in relation to self-esteem, and improved results and skills in the students' practice. Collaboration with some of the assistant nurses was challenging. The results indicate that this kind of clinical training can contribute to more empowerment and better preparation for the nursing role than the traditional way.
