Nurses' learning styles: promoting better integration of theory into practice.

BACKGROUND In a climate where nurses' roles are expanding, underpinning knowledge is increasingly important. AIM To explore staff preferences for learning and highlight the importance of recognising individual learning styles. METHOD A questionnaire was carried out with 61 nurses in an independent health and social care provider, achieving a response rate of 100%. RESULTS Staff mainly prefer visual or kinaesthetic learning. This indicates the current training programme is not meeting their needs. DISCUSSION The learning environment is recognised as having an impact in either encouraging or impeding a positive learning experience. A range of learning theories, concepts and approaches can be used to build and manage effective learning environments. CONCLUSION Staff often prefer a visual learning style. Increased emphasis should be given to work-based learning rather than classroom-based teaching methods.