Posted on Tue 09 Mar 2021 at 17:51 by
Carrie Calvin Hello :)
It's time for my next blog update and I've spent the last few weeks reflecting on my current placement experiences, and my overall journey so far as a student nurse. As part of this, I wanted to share a little something with you all:
When I talk to many students and course reps, it's sometimes easy for you to forget that your school reps are also students. This is one of the many reasons why we are so passionate about ensuring that your voices are heard - because, quite often, our opinions and experiences are shared, and we can often relate to what you are going through. With this is mind, I have been where you are now and one of my favourite things is sharing what I have learnt with other students.
I also want to let you into a secret - while I may share knowledge and experience with you, you share your passion and excitement with me. Whenever I speak to students, particularly first and second years, I am reminded of the hopeful optimism and the sheer excitement that I had as an inexperienced first year, seeing the third years and thinking I will never be able to do what they do. Now, I am a third year doing what those third years were doing, and edging ever closer to qualifying as a nurse.
For the first years that are so excited to start placement - never forget the passion and enjoyment that you currently have. It is easy to become bogged down with assignment deadlines and worrying about completing enough practice hours. Please don't ever lose that passion, that enjoyment and that excitement for new learning opportunities.
For the first years that are nervous about starting placement - those nerves show that you care and want to do well. You may well be terrified when you arrive for your first day, but I promise that you will learn so much and the good moments make the bad days so worth it!
For the second years - you are half way there! There will be good days and bad days, but it will all be worth it in the end.
For the second year nursing associates - you're so close to qualifying!
For the third and fourth years due to qualify this year - you are so close! Many of you have now got job offers, and I'm so proud of each and every one of you. I can't wait to see you in your blues and hear all about your first days and weeks and newly qualified nurses.
For the third year MNurs students - I see you. The majority of our cohort will graduate this year, with us having an extra year to complete. We are three quarters of the way there, and will soon be registered and starting our newly qualified nursing journeys.
As nursing students, we often have to sacrifice a lot to achieve the career that we dream of. It can be stressful and daunting, and there may be days when you question if it is worth it. But... a patient's smile, or someone saying thank you, seeing that you've made a difference, or realising how far you've come - they all make it worth it. Remember that not too long ago, you would have given anything to be where you are now. We've all worked so hard to get to the point that we are at, wherever we are, and through a very difficult and trying time. I'm proud to be a student nurse, and proud to be the school rep for an incredible group of students! More importantly, you should all be so proud of yourselves for everything you've achieved to reach this point.
I hope you all enjoy your placements and learn a lot. If any of you are struggling, as always, please do not hesitate to reach out.
I think that's enough sentimentality for one day so I will leave you with a quote I found - unfortunately I do not know the original source of the quote but I thought it was apt:
"Forgive yourself, you are not perfect. Show yourself grace; you are still learning. Show yourself patience; you are on a journey".
Carrie :)