Abstract
his article presents and discusses the results of a study where the focus is on the characteristics of learning in the skillslaboratory, and on how the learning of practical skills take place. The data are collected from three sources: Interviews with groups of students, diary notes from the project-teachers and observation done by the project-counsellor. The sample is not done to make generalizations, but for analytical aims. The datamaterial is analyzed by using the tools of grounded theory. In this article the importance of stress and safety for learning practical skills is discussed. The results show that the students have different concerns regarding stress and safety in this relation. The students are concerned about beeing secure in performing the practical skills. The students express feelings of stress and unsafety when learning practical skills, and they are concerned about the importance of a safe learning climate when learning practical skills. Safety and security are phenomenons of importance in learning practical skills. But to a certain amount unsafety and stress can contibute to stimulate the students to improve their efforts and work, and prepare them for their future profession as nurses. It seems important to contribute to safety and security by supporting and encouraging each student, and by promoting an open and secure climate in the group. It seems also important to allow unsafety and insecurity to a certain amount in order to promote learning and prepare the students for their future role.