ABSTRACT
This chapter explores key to students’ ability to embrace learning opportunities is a sense of belonging and socialisation into the learning environment team. In order for orientation to occur effectively there has to be an element of socialisation. Socialisation in nursing is about developing a professional identity. Orientation and socialisation are far-reaching in their impact on how learners perceive that they are welcomed and supported in placement areas and provides an important foundation for their learning. Orientation and socialisation has a significant impact in helping students to decrease anxiety and improve their confidence and working relationship with staff. Socialisation is a long-term process which students experience throughout their academic and practice education as well as upon qualifying. For students to be socialised appropriately to a clinical learning environment area, several key elements need to be routinely considered, namely: a structured and meaningful orientation with a positive attitude and ward culture which embraces learners.
