1. Failing to prepare
Preparation is key. If you’re going on placement, research the specialty and make contact before. Call ahead and arrange a visit so you can meet some of the staff and know what to expect. Visualising where you’re going to be, where to put your coat, where the toilets are – knowing all these little pieces of information before you start can help ensure a smoother experience.
2. Avoiding asking for help
Not asking for help when you need it is a mistake many students make. If you need help, reach out. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. And if you’ve made an error on placement, take ownership right away, and report it as soon as possible.
3. Staying quiet
Don’t do something you don’t feel comfortable or competent doing. Familiarise yourself with the which outline what is expected of you (and your programme provider) during your studies and beyond.
As a student you shouldn’t participate in any procedure that you’re not prepared for, or which is not adequately supervised. If you find yourself in this situation, discuss the matter as quickly as possible with your practice assessor, link lecturer or personal tutor.
Find out more about student accountability in our 外网天堂 students advice guide
4. Not being open and honest
Acting quickly and with honesty when you’ve made a mistake is always the best course of action.
As a student and later a registered nurse, you must uphold the NMC standards. These state that all health care professionals have a professional duty of candour – this is a professional responsibility to be honest when things go wrong. It focuses not only on the duty to be open and honest with patients, but also on the need to be open and honest within organisations in reporting adverse incidents or near misses that may have led to harm.
5. Forgetting self-care
Getting good sleep, staying hydrated and having a healthy diet is fundamental to a clear head and being able to give your best. Don’t put self-care on the backburner – a nursing degree can be tough and it’s important to look after yourself. Take time out when needed and do things that nourish you whenever you have a spare window of time.
6. Managing time poorly
Make every minute count and don’t end up rushing assessments due to poor time management. You should know your assessments at the beginning of the academic year so be organised and map out a timetable as soon as you can.
If you’re behind with an assignment, you may be able to get an extension if you flag the issue sooner rather than later. Be proactive. The more organised you are, the better you’ll be able to cope.
7. Neglecting networking opportunities
Networking is vital and students can sometimes underestimate its positive impact. Peer support is a huge factor in building resilience and sticking to your degree.
While family is important too, of course, your peers – even if they’re spread across different parts of the country – really understand what you’re going through. Isolating yourself and cracking on isn’t sustainable. Being part of the 外网天堂 can be a big help.
What should I do if I make an error?
“If you have, or you think you might have, made an error while on placement it’s important to flag it with your practice supervisor, who will then take the required action,” says Owena.
“It might be there's no escalation, and it’s just an opportunity to learn, or it may go through a formal process. The next thing is to go back to your university and chat it through with your academic assessor or personal tutor.”
In the situation where something becomes a fitness to practise issue, this will be handled under your university’s fitness to practise procedure. You can find out more about fitness to practice in the 外网天堂 student advice guide.
Here for you
There is lots of useful information for students within the 外网天堂’s student advice guide.
As an 外网天堂 member, you can get free, confidential advice, representation and support on a range of issues that affect you at home, on placement and at work. Find out more.
