Heinz beans

Remember to switch off after work (its hard so start early). Don't let nursing interfere with personal life and likewise at work. Make sure you have interests outside of nursing.

You can gain support from other nurses if you are having bad day without upsetting your colleagues or work knowing. Can speak to a wider range of people and gain opinions from across various fields and countries. In my area of nursing I barely ever see the other nurses I work with so it can also provide a sense of community when there is none in the workplace.

I was in a simialr situation the year I was planning to finish. I had realised there will be a lot of anxiety as a graduate nurse, (I think you sort of have enough knowledge to know you don't know enough :)) but wasn't comfortable with my level of knowledge and experience. I asked my faculty to resit the final clinical course again explaining clearly why I thought I wasn't ready to recieve a pass. They gave me a "deferred" grade until I completed the course. This made me feel a bit more at ease and allowed me to complete the course to a level I felt suitable for me. It was just knowing myself and what I needed to do to. Saying that, don't take time off or resit if you can really help it...most people are nervous when they are grads and do great...it means you really care about your nursing.

Topic was very toxic before I turned up. Do not want to add my 2 cents to something that isn't worth whingeing about.

I can't believe how much bickering and elitist comments there are on this topic. Fo shame

I have always considered anyone involved with the direct nursing care of their clients to be nurses, including PCA's and students, just as a generalisation. Residents don't usually remember everyones professional title and usually use nurse. When specifying your title you should never introduce yourself as something your not and make people aware of what is you do. I think this guy should mention he is a manager since he isn't really a nurse.

Be a bit late for my response but for future reference. If you are supernumery, make sure you take advantage of every opportunity to learn even if you have to go with another nurse to do or see something. Be a bit assertive and try to adapt to this type of preceptor. There are plenty of people like this guy so you have to be the one to get what you want out of clinical. (it is also ok to have a slow day and keep out of the way).

Yes, I've cried for the most of 4 years now. I never sook otherwise but I often find things too stressful or unfair and the only thing to do is cry, wash my face and get on with it. Don't do it in front of others though it makes people uncomfortable. Plus I know plenty of students that do that too. No biggie, just don't get too depressed.

In addition to what I have said and others, don't expect to get straight A's all the time. Thre are so many reasons out of your control that contribute to your grade that will impact on your quality of work. Sometimes just downright stupid examiners who nearly flunk the whole class. Just let it go...you will get your piece of paper at the end.

Perserverence, as there are a lot of obstacles, upsets and setbacks. You just have to keep working at it to get through.

Im half way through a mental health placement at a local hospital. It has begun to hit me the last few days that Im quite scared of some of our consumers. Some people have chased and attacked other nurses and snapped at me (I was able to diffuse the situation). Im worried I will get hurt and I haven't had any aggressive behaviour managment training. How should I handle this?

I was 21 when I decided to get into nursing, I had an 18 month child. It took a few years out of school to get a better idea of what I wanted to do. I have always loved helping people and health science and nursing just fit for me. It was just a case of following what I loved which led me to where I am. My motivation to be a student over a homemaker was to ensure in the future I would have a skill to rely on if things went pearshaped. Admittedly I missed the mental stimulation and types of challenge that work provided. Respect to stay at home mothers though

We were asked to wear singlets a couple of times to practise assessment. I am very uncomfortable letting other people touch or see too much of me so I opted out (as did many others). Bottom line is never do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.

The blood pressure comment took me back to my first year. I was so god aweful at everything back then. I had to take a bp on my teacher and I fumbled the whole way through it. The cuff even came to pieces - it was so embarrassing. She got pretty mad with me for being hopeless but now I am nearly finished and am quite good at it. I still can't look the teacher in the eye

Be persistant! There are a lot of ups and downs. Don't let self doubt control you. Never ever allow a bad clinical or experience to deter you - it happens. Commit 100% to nursing school, arrange your life around it. I have always used library books and resources for class/clinical until I knew the book was going to help me for years instead of wasting money on textbooks that I will only use once off. They are expensive and out of date in a couple of years so only get what you know you will use long term. The best way to study is to use the way you know works for you... some people need visual (I am bit of a reader then do-er). It really is possible to learn anything. Find support from other students to get you through rough times.