Abstract
BACKGROUND: Student nurse education focusses on preparing competent professionals integral to nursing teams. AIM: To develop strategic actions to include student nurses within the nursing team. SETTING: A private healthcare group in South Africa. METHODS: A qualitative approach in three phases was used. Thirty purposively sampled participants recorded reflective journals in phase one. Tesch's eight steps were utilised for analysis. Phase two involved non-probability volunteer sampling of 11 participants for the nominal group technique analysis. In phase three, total population sampling recruited nine panellists for an e-Delphi technique that provided data that were open coded. RESULTS: Phase one identified themes, including perceptions of responsibilities, support needs, recognition, conflict and communication issues. Phase two revealed five strategic actions: fair treatment, aligned work allocation, active participation, respect and acknowledgement of contributions. Phase three validated 19 strategic statements underpinning the strategic actions. CONCLUSION: Unit managers play a key role in fostering inclusivity, impacting student nurse retention. CONTRIBUTION: Enhancing team cohesion can improve workplace wellness and patient outcomes while aiding in retention and recruitment efforts.