Placements are a critical (and long) part of Nursing school. You will learn much more while on clincial placements than in lectures or tutorials. So it is important to be prepared to make the most out of them. So, what can you do to prepare for clinical placements?

First things First | Admin: Ensure you complete and send all the necessary documentation before your placements including vaccination evidence and pre-requisite course modules as per your university. Ensure you know the location of your placement and the contact phone number of your facilitator/preceptor (just in case). Also, wear the appropriate attire (e.g. university/college specific) and closed shoes. Some settings strictly enforce their dress codes including no jewellery or nail polish so it is best adhere to their policies.

Develop a good, professional relationship with your facilitator/preceptor: This is important as they are most likely your first point of call during your placement. Not to mention, since they have probably worked across different settings, they are willing to share their experiences and career advice. In addition, they are more likely to agree to be a professional reference for your future job applications if they know you and have seen you in practice. Check out our guide for RN job applications.

Show your Buddy/Supervisor RN that you’re interested to learn and willing to help: You might be allocated to a different buddy RN each day or the same one during your placement. In any case, it is important to introduce yourself. It is a good idea to try to help your Buddy nurse while maintaining your scope of practise as they are more likely to teach you things when their work load is under control. For example, help to feed a patient safely or record patients’ vital signs. Since most nurses have a challenging workload, they will see you as a help rather than a burden if you show interest and are willing to help which translates into more teaching time.

Prioritise Patient Safety at all times: There will be risks to patient safety depending on your patient population. Common risks include falls, agression, confusion, absconding, and aspiration of food/drink. It is imperative to alert your buddy RN and seek help if you suspect a risk and or are in doubt. As a nursing student on placement, you have a limited scope of practice and are not yet a qualified health professional so ensure you seek help and prioritise patient safety at all times. For example, if you find a patient’s blood pressure or heart rate is not normal, then alert the RN or team leader immediately.

Be alert and observant of your surroundings: Hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics can be busy places. Try not to get overwhelmed by the number of different staff and perhaps students as well as members of the public (visitors). You will see the multidiscplinary team in action with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, radiographers, food and cleaning personnel etc. So it is important to stay calm and vigilant.