Empowering the next generation: how nurses can champion student success

The transition from classroom to clinical environment can be daunting for students, making the support they receive from practising nurses crucial. Registered nurses are pivotal in preparing students for clinical placements, ensuring they feel welcome, informed, and ready to learn. Here are some key strategies nurses can employ to support nursing students effectively.

Students frequently reach out before starting their clinical placements with various concerns. Nurses should be receptive and engaging with these inquiries, responding to alleviate anxieties and setting a positive tone. Nurses can provide additional preparation by providing students with a welcome pack with essential ward information. Sharing information about the clinical area helps students prepare effectively, and discussing their schedules in advance allows them to manage their responsibilities. Additionally, working with students to create a flexible timetable that accommodates their schedules and clinical experience needs is important.

To create valuable learning opportunities for student nurses, nurses should start by understanding their learning objectives, including the clinical skills they need to develop, the specific experiences they want to gain, and any requirements from their educational institution. This can be achieved by arranging ‘spoke days’ – students can observe and learn from various health professionals, ensuring they gain practical experience through direct involvement in clinical tasks. They can also identify opportunities for them to engage in activities such as patient assessments, medication administration, wound care, and patient education sessions.