1st placement feeling very nervous!

suehp · May 15, 2006

Hi everyone
I am starting my first placement in a few weeks. I am working on the elderly ward in rehabilitation, acute and terminally ill. Its 7 days on 2 days off. Can anyone offer me advice and perhaps tell me what I could expect.
Any hints and tips
From a very nervous student nurse!

I have always found working with the elderly very rewarding but it isnt for everyone...I hope you enjoy it.

First off dont expect too much of yourself...ask loads of questions even the ones you think are silly as those are the ones you will learn from most!!

Above all just enjoy the experience...I remember my first palcement on a medical wrad and I was too nervous to ask a person if they wanted sugar on their cornflakes, and my first death experience happened to look like y Grandad...but almost 17 years on having had 3 very different jobs and now working in AMerica I am a different person..

You will be fine.

Good Luck

lisa1 · May 16, 2006

thanks sue,

I have many students feeling sorry for me- it seems working on this ward it very intense and not student likes going there. I have to challenge myself and make the most of it. Isint that what nurses also do!

I feel its healthy to step outside your comfort zone which is certainly what you did by heading to florida. Sounds like you have a wonderful career.

Many thanks for your response.

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 16, 2006

agree with Sue, ask questions even if they feel silly ones only way to learn. Don't do anything you don't feel happy doing and any worries see your tutor.

Good luck

madwife2002, BSN, RN · May 16, 2006

thanks sue,
I have many students feeling sorry for me- it seems working on this ward it very intense and not student likes going there. I have to challenge myself and make the most of it. Isint that what nurses also do!
I feel its healthy to step outside your comfort zone which is certainly what you did by heading to florida. Sounds like you have a wonderful career.
Many thanks for your response.

I think you have an ideal opportunity to become familiar with 'basic' nursing care, older people have such a vast knowledge and experience to share and they love talking. My first plcaement was care of the elderly rehab too. I loved it, I laughed lots and I learned how to do a lot of basic stuff which is important to every situation. Old people tend to be patient with you, and if you tell them you are a newby they will 'mother' you. They love to hear stories of you life. My mentor once said what are the 10 things you learn from a bed bath-you will come away knowing most of them, I would hope. It will be a valuable experience for you, much better than going to an acute speciality where they wont have time for you, I am great believer in laying the foundations and building on it. I wouldnt have thought it was such a great challenge it is your first ward and you should be supernumery and well supported. Just ask lots of questions and be very observant. Obviously it is very nerve racking for you but you just wont be expected to perform perfectly, how can you you have no knowledge or experience yet.

A tip ask the nurses is there anything you can do for them, you will quickly win you way in, it may be that you make a pt a drink or something small but believe me I used to appreciate the students asking. Good luck