Nursing students experience courtroom drama

The third year BSc (Hons) Nursing students swapped the ward for a courtroom to observe a mock trial, giving them experience of medically-legal based proceedings that could greatly enhance their employability.

Dr Melanie Fisher, senior lecturer in Nursing Midwifery and Health at Northumbria, who has a keen interest in medical law, patient safety and human factors affecting patient care, partnered with Irwin Mitchell solicitors to create the realistic scenario focused on patient death.

Dr Fisher said: “Working with Irwin Mitchell, we developed a scenario that involved a death, which was alleged to have been the result of sub-optimal care.

“Expert witnesses were called throughout and professionally produced evidence offered to the mock court, which allowed students to see and think about some of the issues that can arise for those working in the medical and nursing environments.

“The module brought to life the importance of key aspects of working in this field, including the impact and consequences of poor record keeping and not following processes and policy.”

The session was filmed, allowing students to then pause, play, analyse and discuss the event, whilst reflecting on their own practice.

Dr Fisher adds: “Educating students to become professionals who are ready and able to practice in all aspects of their work when they graduate is an important component of preparing our students for successful careers.”

Anyone interested in studying Nursing at Northumbria University can find out more at www.northumbria.ac.uk/nursing or register to attend an Open Day at the University in September, October and November.