Rubie
"My elective placement abroad in Bali, Indonesia was hands-down one of the best life experiences I've ever had! I was very fortunate that the University supported me in going and it was one of the best things about my course."
Highlights of my course
I have particularly enjoyed the immersive learning opportunities during my course, including regular simulation, clinical placements and the real-time simulation event in my third year. These opportunities allowed me to consolidate my theoretical learning and were great preparation for becoming a newly qualified nurse.
In particular, the real-time sim event provided realistic learning opportunities within a safe/controlled environment; for example, I was able to be 'nurse in charge' of the 'Paediatric ED Department'. I particularly enjoyed seeing SIM actors play patients, the interaction with other healthcare professionals, the realistic phone lines and ward layouts, and access to lots of equipment used in practice. The whole day was very well organised, there was so much effort put into it which really accelerated our learning as third-year healthcare professionals!
The learning opportunities and facilities at Surrey have helped me become the best nurse I can be.
"Despite the times where it gets tough, I always love what I do. Nothing will ever change that. I am so glad – and grateful – that I have been able to complete this degree and to feel that I can truly make a difference in my patients’ lives."
My clinical placements
I’ve had the privilege of accessing many clinical placements throughout my time at Surrey. These include, but are not limited to:
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- General paediatric ward
- Community placements, e.g. school nursing
- Paediatric A&E
- Great Ormond Street Hospital Respiratory Ward
- Placement abroad in Bali, Indonesia.
These placements involved a varying amount of responsibility and skills as I progressed through my three years and by third year I was practising autonomously and taking my own patient loads. I’ve had plenty of opportunity for feedback from patients and staff, to sign off my clinical skills proficiencies and to develop my nursing attitudes and values.
Time on placement allows you to develop clinical skills and learn whilst still being a supernumerary member of the team. The support from my practice supervisors and practice assessors each placement was also very helpful in making sure I met my learning targets and that my learning/development needs were met.
My elective placement abroad in Bali, Indonesia was hands-down one of the best life experiences I've ever had! I was very fortunate that the University supported me in going and it was one of the best things about my course.
"Work hard and smash it – you never know, we may be colleagues one day!"
Life after Surrey
As a newly qualified nurse, I have an NQN job at Kingston Hospital, London. I am doing a paediatric rotational position, meaning I rotate every six months around the children's units within the hospital. I’m looking forward to starting soon! I’m living with two girls who I met in the first few days of my course – we’ve been best friends ever since.
My advice
I will always call nursing a labour of love, especially as an unpaid student, as I believe that's exactly what it is. I have loved my degree, and I look forward to my job as a newly qualified paediatric nurse, but not every moment has been easy. There are times when you will struggle as a student. For me, it was often balancing assignments/dissertation, clinical placements and the responsibilities of day-to-day life.
Not every day on clinical placement is easy when you are working within our struggling NHS. But despite the times where it gets tough, I always love what I do. Nothing will ever change that. I am so glad – and grateful – that I have been able to complete this degree and to feel that I can truly make a difference in my patients’ lives; there is no better feeling that knowing you’ve helped a patient and their family.
My advice to anyone thinking of studying this course is: know your strengths and limitations coming into it, and ensure you have a strong mindset. When things get tough, you need to love what you do and push through it. Ensure children's nursing is really what you want to do as your career/vocation; if it is, then you are on the right track!
There are so many moments to enjoy and look forward to, and so much to learn. You will meet some amazing people and do some amazing things. Work hard and smash it – you never know, we may be colleagues one day!
Find out more about our Children and Young People Nursing BSc.
