A Day in the Life of a Student Nurse

My name is Jess, and I am studying for a BN Adult Nursing degree at the University of Chester.

Nursing Placements

Nursing placements can feel daunting at first, but they are also one of the most rewarding parts of the course. Studying nursing involves both university learning and clinical placements in a variety of healthcare settings. Placements are a key part of the course because they allow students like me to apply the knowledge and skills we learn in lectures to real patients, while working alongside experienced healthcare professionals.

In this blog, I’m going to share what a typical day in the life of a first-year nursing student on placement looks like. My placement is on an elderly medical ward and provides an insight into what learning in practice is really like.

Starting the Day

Placement days are long and busy; no two shifts are ever the same. My shift starts at 7.30am, but I arrive on the ward at 7.15am to give myself time to get organised and settle in. I put my lunch in the fridge (essential for getting through the day!), store my belongings in the staff room, and get ready for handover.

Handover and Safety Brief

Handover and safety brief are the first important parts of the shift. The night staff update us on each patient, including any changes in their condition and any incidents that may have happened overnight. As a first-year student nurse, I’m still learning how to process all this information, but I’m becoming better at recognising key concerns, such as fall risks, nutrition and hydration issues, and early signs of deterioration, so I can stay alert throughout the day. When I first started the placement, I was surprised by the level of communication and teamwork involved behind the scenes to ensure patients receive safe and effective care.

Working with My Mentor

After handover, I work alongside my mentor in our allocated bay and cubicles. I support the healthcare assistants with morning care and assist the nurses during the medication round. This has been a valuable learning experience, helping me understand the importance of safety checks. I also realise how accuracy and timing are essential when administering medicines.

Morning Care and Patient Interaction

Morning care involves helping patients wash, dress and attend to their personal hygiene needs. This is one of my favourite parts of the day because it gives me the opportunity to build a rapport and get to know the patients I am caring for. On an elderly medical ward, many patients are frail or living with dementia, so I try to keep my communication calm, clear and reassuring. I’ve learned that patience and a gentle tone can make a huge difference in helping patients feel safe in what can often be an unfamiliar environment.

Taking and Recording Observations

As the morning continues, I begin taking and recording vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate and temperature. I focus on performing these tasks carefully because they can give valuable insight into a patient’s condition before visible signs of deterioration appear.

During one round of observations, I noticed that a patient’s breathing seemed more laboured than earlier in the shift. I reported this to the nurse straight away, who reassessed the patient and reviewed their observations. Moments like this remind me how important it is to stay observant and speak up, even as a student nurse.

Supporting Patients at Mealtimes

Mealtimes are another important part of the ward routine. Some patients can eat independently, while others require support. I make sure patients are sitting upright and comfortable before helping them with their meals. Encouraging food and fluids is particularly important for older adults, as some may have a reduced appetite. I’ve seen how small adjustments and gentle encouragement can make a big difference in helping patients eat and drink.

Working as Part of the Multidisciplinary Team

As the ward becomes busier, the multidisciplinary team is in action. Doctors carry out ward rounds, physiotherapists support patients in regaining mobility, and occupational therapists assess how patients manage daily activities. Observing how these professionals work together has helped me understand the importance of teamwork in supporting a patient’s recovery.

Providing Reassurance and Patient Support

Later in the shift, I sometimes sit with patients who seem restless and anxious, particularly those who are trying to get out of bed despite being at high risk of falling. Instead of repeatedly telling them to stay in bed, I sit beside them and offer reassurance. Throughout the day, I also help ensure patients are comfortable, answer call bells, observe for any changes in their condition, and speak with relatives. These interactions are helping me grow in confidence while continuing to develop my professionalism.

Reflection

As the shift comes to an end, I help make sure patients are comfortable and safe before handover.

Reflecting on the day, I often feel a real sense of accomplishment. Every shift helps me grow in confidence and develop new skills. Working on an elderly medical ward has shown me how important compassion, patience and teamwork really are.

Experiences like these continue to remind me why I chose to study nursing and motivate me to keep developing my skills and knowledge as a future nurse.