How to make the most of your nursing placement

Abstract

Being a student nurse is tough. Whether you are in your first, second or third year, each comes with its own challenges. With so much theory to learn, and hours on top in clinical practice, nursing is unlike most university courses. In no other job do you have a 3-year long interview; it is important to see placements as that. Everything you do, from the way you work within the team to the way you communicate with patients, will be assessed. You will be working with possible future employers, so it is crucial you remain professional and give them a reason to recruit you when you qualify. So, what can you do to make the most of your placements? First of all, you need to contact your new placement and make an appointment to look around the placement area and meet your manager and mentor. Ask questions about learning opportunities and get a feel for the specialty. If you are going to a surgical ward, make sure you know the theory behind looking after a preand post-operative surgical patient, e.g. pain relief, wound care, and common procedures. I find it helps to make a folder and take it with you. When going through paperwork with your mentor, it shows you are willing and lets them know you are serious about your experience in their clinical area and about your future career. When you do meet with your mentor for the first time, try to have a sit down meeting and ask them what they are expecting from you on your placement. Let them know about your previous experience and what you are hoping to gain from your time there. Whether it is discharging a patient or completing a drug round, here is the opportunity to really get what you want from your placement. Consider tasks you may not feel confident in yet. It is easy to avoid things that you don’t like doing. For me, it was calculating drip rates. I have never been confident with numbers, but my mentor picked up on this and asked me to carry a pocket calculator with me. He always ensured we allocated time on night shifts to go over the calculations and, gradually, my confidence increased. Being open and admitting that I needed help forced me to face my fears and improve my clinical skills. Basic care is a fundamental aspect of nursing. Student nurses, especially in the first year, are in an ideal position to undertake basic care and should feel privileged to be able to provide it. When nurses become qualified and take on other responsibilities on the ward, they very often miss out on being able to give a patient personal care. I have heard so many students complain that they have been ‘stuck’ with the healthcare assistants washing patients all morning. What they fail to realize is that being able to spend time with the people you are caring for is the most rewarding part of nursing. You get to see first hand if their pressure areas are intact, if their mobility is improving or if