The ‘community matters’ feature in this issue is definitely worth taking time to read (pp. 8–12). It discusses student nurses and the value that each and every one of them brings to our practice and workplace. I am sure we have all felt an additional pressure to the ever increasing demands on our time and workload when we are allocated a student nurse to assess or supervise. There is no doubt about it — students can be challenging, but this is positive for us as well as our patients and workplaces. We are all continually learning and students are receiving knowledge based on the latest available evidence, which can support our own development. Their questions are a catalyst for reflection on our own practice and can instigate change, thus enhancing patient care. Remember — we have all been a student at some point in our careers and without the support, guidance and experiences we had, we would not be where we are today.