Student nurses re- placements involving child protection issues.

[tiredemma]

Im on my first placement- its a public health placement and Im with a HV, its so interesting and I thoroughly enjoy it, but the Child protection issues are making me feel really really awful. Yesterday I just wanted to lock myself away in a room and sob- I knew it would be something that I would come across but when you actually see things and hear things, it hits you like a train.

Is it normal to feel so useless???? is it normal to feel so upset? should I become a bit harder and just accept that these things happen? I cant stop thinking about my own boys and how i could never imagine hurting them. Its doing my head in.

Yes; I worked in child protection but have never ever forgotten the first few children/families I worked with and how I felt. I actually fantasised about kidnapping one baby and keeping him hidden in my house - and later wished I had as he did not make it to his first birthday.

It can be heartbreaking, infuriating, frustrating and very complicated. Cry if you want to. Find someone to talk to.

But in front of the children and their families, if you are anything other than empathic and professional, you will not be helping anyone.

Good luck.

When I am with the families, Im fine- Im professional etc. Its just when I come away and reflect on it, it makes me feel really low. Thnaks for replying btw.x

Just be proud of what you do, and aware that you cant change everything. good luck xx