A week in the life of a children's nursing student
From practical simulation classes to clinical placements, discover what a typical week looks like as a first-year children's nursing student at Surrey.
During your simulation classes, you’ll get to use equipment found in the NHS to learn how to monitor vital signs, perform respiratory assessments, complete neurological observations and much more
How you'll learn
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
- Group work (e.g. discussion groups)
- Lectures
- Online learning
- Practical simulation classes and clinical skills scenarios
- Role plays
- Seminars
- Tutorials.
Outside of these, you’ll be expected to carry out independent study, including coursework, essays and reading.
We’ve also introduced hybrid learning, a mix of online and face-to-face sessions, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
When you’re on placement, your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
- Demonstration
- Discussion groups
- Observation
- Practice under supervision
- Reflective dialogue
- Role modelling
- Shadowing.
"The use of actors for some of the sessions gave me a chance to interact with patients with a variety of needs - an incredibly valuable experience."
Sarah Noble, BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Registered Nurse Children's Nursing)
A typical week in Semester 1 of your first year
Teaching
In your first year, you'll receive approximately 35 hours of learning and 14 contact hours each week.
Monday
- 9am to 10am – 'Concepts of Caring' lecture
- 10am to 11pm – 'Nursing Practice Module Year 1' simulation class
- 11am to 12pm – 'Nursing Practice Module Year 1' workshop
- 1pm to 2pm – 'Understanding Research and Evidence Based Practice' workshop
Tuesday
- 9am to 5pm – Self-directed study to consolidate learning from Monday’s sessions
Wednesday
- 9am to 5pm – Self-directed study to prepare for Thursday’s lecture
Thursday
- 10am to 11am – 'Physical Health Sciences' lecture
- 11am to 5pm – Self-directed study to consolidate learning from lecture
Friday
- 9am to 5pm – Self-directed study to complete pre-session work for Monday’s lectures and practical session
Placement
In your first year, you'll complete approximately 37.5 placement hours each week.
Throughout your clinical placements, you’ll work a variety of shifts, including nights, to ensure you get an accurate representation of working in a healthcare setting. Your shifts can start as early as 7am and end after 9pm but will likely be within this timeframe.
Find out more about our children's nursing course
Disclaimer
The timetable and modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication and may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
Given the changing nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, our hybrid learning model is under continuous review. See the latest information on all changes.
