How To Survive A Nursing Placement
Hi, I’m Maisie! I am a second-year Adult nursing student at Edinburgh Napier University. After completing a 9-week placement in a Medicine Of the Elderly and Covid ward, these are the tips I wish I had been told before my first ever placement. Remember: being nervous is normal and you are so much more capable than you might think! I believe in you!
Occupational Health
If you have diagnosed conditions or know you will need additional support in placement then ask your university about a referral to OH. My OH department was able to write out all the agreed points that would help me in placement. Largely they were able to advocate for me, particularly when I knew I needed to work 8-hour shifts as opposed to the standard 12-hour shifts as for me I would burn out very quickly. Mainly as I knew that after a long shift I wouldn’t be able to look after myself and cook dinner and all the other aspects that I needed to do. OH also made a document for me to take into a placement that had a small description of my health issues and how the placement area could support me so I didn’t have to explain it all and potentially forget to mention something.
University
You should have a university tutor who would normally be your first contact for any issues with placement. Don’t be afraid to contact them and ask any questions you have because I guarantee you they want to help. My tutor was incredibly caring and always asked how I could be further supported.
Nursing student friends
No one understands what it's like being a student nurse like other student nurses. Speak to people on your course about bits you are finding tough and I guarantee you they will be able to relate or offer advice. Also, it is amazing to be able to laugh with friends about the more humorous parts of placement, whether you are sharing stories of cleaning faeces or silly mistakes you have made, this is incredibly helpful for decompressing. If you have had some tough or upsetting events or patients, other student nurses will probably be able to relate and offer advice or a shoulder to cry on. As always, Future frontline can offer advice and support from our experiences.
Non-nursing student friends
Spend time with your non-nursing student friends just to make sure you are able to ‘switch off” from this undoubtedly chaotic and exhausting course. Whether it's getting lunch or going out for a drink, time without “being a student nurse”. It is so important to switch off and do all the things YOU like to do.
Know yourself
Do you work best in the morning or evening? Do you want a lie-in or to have an early night? Would you prefer a sandwich from the shop or a home-cooked meal on your lunch break? You know yourself best! Take care as you are going to be tired and mentally it will be exhausting! You will miss your 9am wake up when you have to be on a bus at 6:00 am before your shift!
Your Mentor
Speak to your mentor! They are there to help you and get you through your placement! Speak to them about your concerns or worries and I’m sure they will be willing to support you further. Some mentors are less helpful but that reflects more on them than on you! There are always people who will be willing to listen to you if you have any concerns or need support. Whether you contact a university tutor, a fellow nursing student or another member of staff, speaking up if you need a bit of support will help. If you feel stuck as to who to contact, the nursing team at Future Frontline are ALWAYS ready to help offer advice as we have all been in the position that you are in. Don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Self-care (parenting and pampering)
You need to take care of yourself in two different ways; parenting and pampering. Pampering is where you do nice things for yourself, whether that is buying a yummy treat or having a long relaxing bath, these are things that make you happy and you enjoy. Whereas parenting self-care is where you do things to look after yourself that might not be as “fun”. So things like going to the supermarket to buy your weekly shop or tidying your room, things you can imagine a parent would tell you to do. It is so important to have that balance of treating yourself and doing things that are going to keep you healthy!
