Any other student nurses want a chat?

[WhatsappRicky]

I’m a third year adult nursing student about to qualify in September. I can’t believe how fast these past few years have gone. I’ve got a job ready for qualifying so just a case of getting everything in now!

Oh I have one assignment left to do and 10 more weeks of placement left to do. It’s all happening so fast 😱

Not a student but finished my training in 1998 I swear the years have just flown by! I remember being where you are and crossing the months off on my calendar. I remember the day I got my first blue uniform and I was so excited. Where are you going to be working? Have you found your passion for an area?

Ah I bet they have! I am down to weeks now and I can’t believe it. It’s scary and I feel so unprepared even though I know deep down I’m ready. I have a job as a district nurse which I am so excited for, I absolutely loved my community placement!

Ahhhhh well I know all about that. I came out into the community 6 months post reg and was a DN for 15 years. I now work as a Case Manager with admissions avoidance in a large community hub. You will love community, in my experience it has fitted in so well around my family. I also love the freedom and the hours are so much better than ward based roles. Good luck to you for your nursing journey ahead!

Also qualifying is just the beginning of learning in my experience. Now you really begin, you have to start to think for yourself, be proactive - push yourself forward for any training you can, I did the DN degree a couple of years after qualifying. Know your limitations and never be afraid to admit you arent sure of something, all these years on and I still seek out my colleagues to see if they would have done anything differently / was there anything else I add to the care.