The document describes a student enrichment programme created through inter-professional collaboration at the University of Chester. The programme aimed to improve student retention and academic progression in the undergraduate nursing programme. It involved sessions led by various student support departments, including the library, to provide hands-on learning support. An initial pilot found the experience very positive but attendance was poor due to dispersed sessions. In response, sessions are now mandatory and conducted over a single day across all university sites. The programme has been highlighted as a strength and expanded to additional years of the nursing programme.

1. The Student Enrichment Programme An Inter-professional Collaboration.Helen ThomasSubject Librarian- University of Chester

2. 2 key aims driven from Faculty:to build commitment during the 3 year undergraduate nursing programme in addressing the issue of student retention.to offer structured learning support in response to academic student progressionPlanning, preparation and delivery was collaboratively undertaken by the university student support departments of the Learning Support Unit, Learning Information Services, Careers and Employability and pre-registration nursing staff. Aims & Planning of the Programme

3. Year 1Refresh searching library catalogue and electronic resources pages, ebooks/ejournalsRefresh and search using subject specific database CINAHLCreate APA references for articles foundAims of the LIS session

4. Resources – students & staffScript for staffWorksheet and presentation for students

5. From initial evaluation of pilot study 2 key themes emerged:The students evaluated the experience as very positive and would recommend this to fellow students. Students liked the “hands on” element of the LIS session Initial attendance however, was poor and key in the students’ evaluation was that sessions were too dispersed. Emerging Themes

6. Attendance is now mandatory and sessions are conducted over 1 day, across all sites. Student enrichment links strongly to the new Nursing and Midwifery Council standards for pre-registration nursing education and for LIS to the RCN and SCONUL information literacy skills. Student enrichment has been highlighted as strength in a recent Faculty of Health and Social care internal review and is now being rolled out for 2nd and 3rd year student nurses as dedicated time within the curriculum. Current and Future Developments