Critical companionship, a person centred learning journey

Critical Companionship is a helping relationship in which an experienced facilitator accompanies another on a reflective, experiential learning journey using methods of trust, “high challenge ” and “high support”. It is an evidence based strategy that is effective in a variety of contexts as an integral part of practice development (Tichen, 2001).This was a one day workshop which was followed by three months of work based reflective activity, role modelling and peer support. Work based activities were facilitated by monthly networking opportunities and electronic communication. The Critical Companionship workshop and facilitated action learning sets was offered to senior nurses and midwives from across Central Coast Local Health District with the aim of fostering a culture of shared learning and support and to enhance opportunities for embedding learning as a part of practice. The first workshop aimed to attract senior members of the nursing and midwifery team from a broad range of speciality to act as critical companion role models. The workshop was attended by thirteen participants drawn from a range of senior nursing and workforce positions. Participants both during and since the workshop expressed