I am now into my third month of my last year of a nursing degree and panic has started to set in. For those new to knowing how this course is laid out, I will give you a quick overview.
Over three years you attend a combination of university and placement. During the university time you are required to complete various graded work, including essays, exams and OSCE's. I was unaware of what an OSCE was, but basically it is a type of role play examination, in which you are observed and assessed in a simulation environment carrying out a set number of nursing tasks. Don't worry-you will hear plenty more of these when you start!
For the rest of the time, you are out on placement. This could be in a number of locations-hospital, community, prison-who knows! But during this time you are assessed on your practical ability and knowledge and graded at the end by a mentor you are assigned during the placement.
In year one and two I felt a bit more relaxed coming into a placement as I felt I was a student. If I was unsure of something it was ok, as I was only a student so I had plenty of time to read up on the task or situation for next time. But going into my third year felt a bit more pressured, as surely my third year mentors and other staff would see me as a final year student, so I should know what I am doing. But what if I didn't have the answers? This time next year I will be qualified, so I should be on the path to knowing everything...but I'm far off from that!
Due to feeling my grades were strong enough, I switched from a diploma course to degree over the summer as this is the way nursing is going (or gone as those now starting the course will only have the option of degree). To cut a long story short-I now am on placement doing 12.5hr shifts while alternating on my days off between essay work, my degree project and trying to see my partner-so welcome to third year!
My future posts will be more about what has been going on that week, but thought it best to set the scene for those of you new to this area. I had not previously had any hospital or care experience, as had worked for 8years in various jobs (cabin crew, poker club valet, business centre, store work...dabbled in everything but care!). I felt inspired to apply as my Gran had experienced poor care in hospital, and I wanted to do a better job and make a difference. Unfortunately by the time I had been accepted onto the course she had passed away, but I still feel inspired by my original reasons for going into nursing-especially with the bad press the profession has received in recent years.
If I were to try to offer any words of 'wisdom' or advice for those just about to start...or maybe already have started, it would be this;
- Do any work you are given as soon as possible. Some people like to work on essays last minute and that is what works best for them as they seem to thrive on pressure, but you are guaranteed to be given random group tasks or worksheets to complete, so just try to stay on top of it.
- You may take year one for granted while you are in it. I did. I thought lecturers didn't response instantly or were not giving enough support, but year two showed me how much we did! Year two felt like we were more expected to go out and do things for ourselves, so try to take as much as you can during year one!
- If anything is worrying you-talk it through with someone. There is always support somewhere, from those you study with to lecturers and those at the hospital. I have been a course rep since I started and feel that the sooner you ask, the more time you have to sort the problem.
- When going into placements-eat and sleep well! If you go sick during placement you are expected to make up hours, so look after yourself! It'll be worth it to have the summer and Easter leave to yourself!
- Make the most of being a student. When out on placement-ring different teams, embrace the fact you have the time to observe procedures and specialist staff as you wont have when you qualify.
- Rely on your diary. It is your friend, it will help to organise your life!
- Enjoy it x
- Read the NMC-The Code
- Be careful what you put on Facebook!
Well that's about it for my first blog. Hope to see you back for my next blog and if anyone at any time has a question about the course or anything I have written, please feel free to do so. I wish when I had started that we had been given the opportunity to talk to a student further in to have a little more insight of what was to come, so if you ever feel the same-hello!
Ttfn!
Emma x
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