While there is a drive to promote openness in health care settings and an expectation that staff will raise concerns the reality is that the decision to do this can be very difficult. This is the case for some student nurses. Our results suggest ways in which educationalists might intervene to support students who witness poor practice to report.

This study provides information about how students account for their actions and omissions in relation to the reporting of poor care. Findings suggest ways educators might increase reporting of concerns.