CAREERS STUDENT LIFE
students to analyse and learn from all situations. Initially, the thought of scribbling my feelings down made me cringe, but now I wish I had started it sooner. Make the most of opportunities, whether on placement or in university. Ask other students who have been on the ward before you what they did or observed. Although you are assigned a mentor, make sure you work with other nurses during your placement. Observing their techniques and methods broadens your knowledge. And if you ever feel that something is incorrect, always speak up.
Read to succeed is one of Bebhinn O’Dowd Lernihan’s mottos
Self confidence
Treasure the early days As this year’s new intake of nursing students settle down to their studies and first placements, second-year student Bebhinn O’Dowd Lernihan has some advice I can hardly believe that a year has passed since the nerves and the excitement of the first few weeks as a new nursing student. Right now, the priority for first-year students is to survive the first few months in university and of course, the first placement. No matter how big or small the class, be open and accepting of everyone. Most students will find friends and essential support among their classmates and possibly form groups. That support is necessary, but never close the door on others. Students can learn so much from colleagues, so be open and considerate of their views and opinions. Attend all your classes regardless of how pointless you think a lecture might be. Students are in control of their own learning, so if you would like to find out
more about a particular topic, then ask. If you are thinking it, then others certainly will be. Many students will feel out of touch with studying. I had not studied biology for about five years before starting my course so a good anatomy and physiology book was essential. A wise mentor told me to ‘read to succeed’. Keeping your knowledge up to date demonstrates commitment and competence in your work. The 6Cs – compassion, care, competence, communication, courage and commitment, and the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code, can help when personal opinions about patients creep in. Remembering these has made such a difference to me and the care I provide. Reflection is an effective way of dealing with stress and will help
It is vital to believe in yourself. As Winnie the Pooh said: ‘You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.’ Unfortunately, I followed my mentors like a lost puppy during my first two placements and was never my bright, caring self. I observed nurses whose compassion for their work had dwindled, who told me not to speak to patients and, on reflection, that affected the care I provided and my confidence. I felt more confident by my last placement and had the courage to take control of my learning and simply be myself. I suddenly felt like a professional caring nurse. Studying nursing is the best decision I have ever made and I hope it will be for you too. Never forget the importance of being yourself, having fun, reading – and the 6Cs NS Bebhinn O’Dowd Lernihan is a second-year nursing student at King’s College, London
RESOURCES Student life online rcnpublishing.com/page/ns/students/student-life RCN student community www.rcn.org.uk/development/students European Nursing Students Association tinyurl.com/ENSAstudents
66 november :: vol 29 no 11by:: ${individualUser.displayName} 2014 STANDARD Downloaded12from RCNi.com on Nov 25, 2015. For personal use only. NoNURSING other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
students to analyse and learn from all situations. Initially, the thought of scribbling my feelings down made me cringe, but now I wish I had started it sooner. Make the most of opportunities, whether on placement or in university. Ask other students who have been on the ward before you what they did or observed. Although you are assigned a mentor, make sure you work with other nurses during your placement. Observing their techniques and methods broadens your knowledge. And if you ever feel that something is incorrect, always speak up.
Read to succeed is one of Bebhinn O’Dowd Lernihan’s mottos
Self confidence
Treasure the early days As this year’s new intake of nursing students settle down to their studies and first placements, second-year student Bebhinn O’Dowd Lernihan has some advice I can hardly believe that a year has passed since the nerves and the excitement of the first few weeks as a new nursing student. Right now, the priority for first-year students is to survive the first few months in university and of course, the first placement. No matter how big or small the class, be open and accepting of everyone. Most students will find friends and essential support among their classmates and possibly form groups. That support is necessary, but never close the door on others. Students can learn so much from colleagues, so be open and considerate of their views and opinions. Attend all your classes regardless of how pointless you think a lecture might be. Students are in control of their own learning, so if you would like to find out
more about a particular topic, then ask. If you are thinking it, then others certainly will be. Many students will feel out of touch with studying. I had not studied biology for about five years before starting my course so a good anatomy and physiology book was essential. A wise mentor told me to ‘read to succeed’. Keeping your knowledge up to date demonstrates commitment and competence in your work. The 6Cs – compassion, care, competence, communication, courage and commitment, and the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code, can help when personal opinions about patients creep in. Remembering these has made such a difference to me and the care I provide. Reflection is an effective way of dealing with stress and will help
It is vital to believe in yourself. As Winnie the Pooh said: ‘You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.’ Unfortunately, I followed my mentors like a lost puppy during my first two placements and was never my bright, caring self. I observed nurses whose compassion for their work had dwindled, who told me not to speak to patients and, on reflection, that affected the care I provided and my confidence. I felt more confident by my last placement and had the courage to take control of my learning and simply be myself. I suddenly felt like a professional caring nurse. Studying nursing is the best decision I have ever made and I hope it will be for you too. Never forget the importance of being yourself, having fun, reading – and the 6Cs NS Bebhinn O’Dowd Lernihan is a second-year nursing student at King’s College, London
RESOURCES Student life online rcnpublishing.com/page/ns/students/student-life RCN student community www.rcn.org.uk/development/students European Nursing Students Association tinyurl.com/ENSAstudents
66 november :: vol 29 no 11by:: ${individualUser.displayName} 2014 STANDARD Downloaded12from RCNi.com on Nov 25, 2015. For personal use only. NoNURSING other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
