Placement Tips

So you've done some theory and it's finally time to get out there for real! How do you feel.. nervous, excited, both?! I know I was terrified before starting any new placement, but as time went on I learnt how to adapt and get through anything, even placements I didn't enjoy. 

So here's a few tips and tricks I learnt along the way: 

• Always ring up your placement area before you attend (normally about 2 weeks before is a good time) to find out that a) they are expecting you! b) your off duty, this just means your shifts for each week and c) the names of your mentors so that you can find them on the first day or week
• Make sure you have the correct uniform and appear clean and well presented
• Arrive a little early on your first day, especially if you're unsure where you are going (I usually planned my route and parking ahead of time to take away some of the first day nerves!)
• Make a list of goals for each placement, this normally forms part of your paperwork for university anyway, but it's good to have something written down to refer back to and to make you are meeting those goals throughout your time on placement
• Be enthusiastic and get involved with everyone and everything - you don't just learn from other nurses, you can learn from everyone you meet including HCAs, doctors, physios etc. 
• Work out who will help you the most - as time goes by you'll soon discover which members of staff are more willing to help and support you, sometimes more than your own mentors so gravitate towards these people if you can
• Learn what the basic day to day tasks are for that placement area - you won't be able to do everything, especially if you're in first year, but see what you can do and show initiative. For example, the morning routine on most wards is getting patients washed, dressed, doing their breakfast, cleaning and tidying, restocking supplies etc, so watch what others are doing and then get involved
• Don't do anything you don't feel comfortable with - whether it's a skill you haven't learnt yet or a patient that you don't feel confident with, don't be forced into doing anything. You are a student, you are there to learn and no one expects you to know everything. Just politely ask for some guidance and then if you feel ok, do it alone the next time
• Read up about the types of patients and conditions you see - some people suggest you do this before you start but I always liked to get a feel for the placement first and then research more on it once I'd done a few of shifts 
• Be professional at all times, even if there's a staff member you don't get on with or you've dealing with a difficult patient, be pleasant and polite 
• Ask for help if you need it, don't struggle in silence! Whether it's a bad mentor, upsetting shift or a mistake you've made, tell someone and get help. There should be student support both at your placement area and your university to utilise one or both of these, they are there to support you
• And lastly smile, be positive and know you can do it! Some placements will test you, but being resilient and coping through tough times is part of being a nurse.