Exploring informal learning among hospital nurses

The purpose of this article is to explore the opportunities for informal learning among nurses working on a hospital ward.

A field study was conducted in one hospital ward. Methods used to collect data included participant observation, ad hoc conversations and formal interviews.

Eight categories describe the opportunities for informal learning among the nurses. Several factors seemed to mediate the opportunities for informal learning, such as the size and physical structures of the ward, role modeling by the nurse leader, systems and artifacts that triggered and scaffolded learning, and interaction and collaboration among all professionals on the ward.

A limitation is that data are collected from only one ward. A strength is the use of several methods to collect data and the range of participants' ages, experience and gender.

This study offers examples of informal learning opportunities that can be tailored to different clinical settings. Through role-modeling the leader can influence both the norms that become established in a ward and the development of a culture of mutual support and learning.

This article adds to the existing research by including observation in the hospital setting of actual practices that involve informal learning.