As a student nurse embarking on clinical placements, it's essential to understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with this crucial phase of your education. Clinical placements provide invaluable hands-on experience, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world healthcare settings. However, along with this opportunity comes certain expectations that you must meet to qualify, maximise your learning, and contribute positively to patient care.
Clinical placement prepares you to become a professional, competent, and compassionate nurse. It offers the chance to apply theoretical knowledge practically, showcasing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This involves following instructions from your assessors and supervisors, seeking clarification when necessary, and performing clinical skills under supervision, with increasing autonomy as you gain competence. Effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare team members, demonstrating empathy and active listening, are crucial. In addition to documenting patient care accurately and comprehensively and adhering to trust policies, it is important to promptly raise concerns and changes in patient conditions to the appropriate health professional. Recognise your limitations and seek help when facing unfamiliar situations. Seek and use constructive feedback.
Clinical placements are divided into three parts: Part 1 (Year 1), Part 2 (Year 2), and Part 3 (Year 3). Throughout the 3 years, you will be expected to complete your Practice Assessment Document (PAD) and Objective Assessment Record (OAR) in every placement. The expectations of students increase with each year. You will have a practice assessor, who will be the main person responsible for signing you off from your placement, and practice supervisors, who can be any member of staff. If you are unsure about what is expected from you, it's important to ask your assessor and also read your trust policy, which will outline what you can and cannot do as a student nurse.
Year 1
During your first-year placements, you'll have the chance to become familiar with healthcare settings, whether in a hospital or community. It's a time to understand the nurse's role, what is expected of you, and how to navigate as a student nurse. Although you may be eager to dive into nursing tasks, give yourself time to adjust to the clinical environment.
You might be tasked with things such as changing beds, providing personal care, and assisting patients with eating. Don't get discouraged; instead, see these tasks as the foundation for building strong relationships with patients. This period is crucial for developing your communication skills and learning, so approach tasks with enthusiasm.
Year 2
As you progress into your second year, you'll find that more responsibilities are placed upon you during clinical placements. This is a crucial phase where you will be expected to perform a wider range of nursing skills. You will be tasked with responsibilities such as conducting thorough handovers, ensuring accurate patient care documentation, and collaborating closely with other health professionals to ensure holistic patient care. Additionally, your role will involve recognising deteriorating patients using the A–E assessment and using the clinical decision cycle to collaborate with other health professionals to identify nurses' actions. Embrace these expectations as opportunities for growth and learning.
Year 3
In your final year, it is crucial to begin thinking and acting like a professional nurse. You will be expected to manage patients, adhere to care plans, escalate concerns, perform nursing assessments, and administer medications. Additionally, you must demonstrate management and leadership skills while handling your own patients. Although tasks such as medication administration will still require supervision, you are expected to take initiative and lead in patient care.
Demonstrating critical thinking by making suggestions, even if incorrect, shows you are developing nursing skills. This period is essential for demonstrating and using the advanced skills needed for caring for unwell or deteriorating patients. You will be responsible for escalating concerns appropriately. Your care episodes will involve managing your caseload and teaching junior students. It is essential to meet these expectations in order to transition from a student nurse to a professional practitioner. Embracing every moment and challenge will contribute to your development as the best nurse you can be.
Moving forward
While navigating the complexities of clinical placements, remember that each experience presents an opportunity for growth, no matter how challenging. Keep moving forward, maintaining compassion, and staying committed to your professional journey. Your efforts will shape you into a skilled and empathetic nurse, prepared to have a meaningful impact on the lives of your patients.