The start of every placement is often a mix of emotions – excitement, interest, dread, fear, anxiety. The unknown of a new work area and the people who will be your colleagues often brings up a sense of dread and anxiety. This is completely natural; as human beings we tend to prefer situations that are known and comfortable.
Research Your Placement
Getting an understanding the area you are going to can often alleviate some of your concerns and worries. It is also a great way to demonstrate a proactive approach to your learning and development. Student Nursing Associate placements are designed to expose you to a wide variety of healthcare settings and services.
Make sure you contact your placement area in advance to introduce yourself and to arrange your shifts if necessary. You can also visit the placement area before you are due to start. This is often a great way to reduce some of the anxiety.
Plan Your Journey
Ensure you plan your journey to your placement in advance and allow extra time for delays. Arriving late, especially on the first day, does not set a good impression.
Make sure you have contact names and numbers so you can call just in case you are held up.
Always Something To Learn
During training – we are often allocated placements in settings or fields that we are sure is not for us. I have always believed that there is something to learn from every placement. In my case, I know that I do not want to work in mental health. However, my mental health placement taught me knowledge and skills that I am able to use when caring for my own patients. I am always a little surprised when I hear a student say that they learned nothing on a placement. Even just a chatting with patients can be a valuable learning experience and provides understanding into the lives of other people and the problems they face.
Your Aims
I found it helpful to think of any specific learning or experience aims that I wanted to get out of each placement. Having a list of things you want to achieve will give you a sense of direction during your placement and helps to prevent drifting through. Try to complete any relevant sections of your PAD document or ePAD before you start.
Ignore The Rumours & Opinions
“You will just be a HCA”
“The staff are clicky”
“You won’t learn anything”
“They prioritise student nurses”
“The manager is a … [fill in the blank]!”
“The nurse was a … [fill in the blank]!”
“You will get no support”
The list of complaints goes on and on. I always approached every placement with an open mind. I enjoyed every placement and felt that I learned something from each one. Not every placement will be a perfect fit – sometimes you will just discover an area that you don’t want to work.
Genuine Problems
Sometimes, even with preparation and an open mind, issues may be encountered on a placement. This maybe with a member of staff, lack of genuine learning opportunities, or issues in our own personal lives. It is important to deal with problems in a professional manner. You can speak to a senior member of staff in your placement area or if that is not appropriate it is important to get into touch with your clinical education team, practice placement support, or your university.
Good luck with your next placement, Beth.
