Put your skills into action
DR BILL WHITEHEAD from the University of Derby takes a look at the difference in being a student nurse to becoming a registered nurse in practice
WHEN students graduate and enter the world of work there is always a period of transition from being, primarily, a student to a worker. This can be a difficult time in an individual’s life and career. Changing from the role of student to that of staff nurse is stressful, as well as an exciting achievement.
For nurses and other health professionals this is a time when they must put the caring and life supporting skills and knowledge that they have been accumulating into action.
BEST WAY TO SUPPORT NEWLY QUALIFIED NURSES
The process of support for newly qualified nurses (NQNs) in the UK is called preceptorship. There has been a good quantity of research conducted to find the best ways to support newly qualified nurses (NQNs).
Part of this body of research has been conducted by myself and researchers at the University of Derby in collaboration with Chesterfield Royal Hospital and other Derbyshire and East Midlands’ health industry employers. We found that NQNs were competent to complete the role of the nurse but often lacked the confidence in themselves to meet their ability.
From this the three headline recommendations for employers to provide were:
■ A culture of support for preceptors and preceptees to make them feel valued and supported in the workplace
■ Recognition of the preceptorship role within a governance framework including clinical educators to support both preceptees and their preceptors on the shop floor
■ An individualised programme of support for each preceptee based on their own needs and the needs of their first area of employment
TOP TIPS FOR NURSING STUDENTS WHEN TRANSITIONING TO THE WORKPLACE
■■ Make the most of placements
During your training ensure you make the most of your placements and try to put yourself into the shoes of the registered nurses that you are working with. The more that you practice the full range of nursing activities and thinking as a student the easier it will be to make the transition from student to staff nurse.
■■Work hard at university
It may not always be obvious why you need to learn the things presented in the classroom or lecture theatre. When you wear the uniform people will expect you to know these things.
■■Ask what support is available
When you are being interviewed for your first registered nurse position always ask what support will be available during your preceptorship.
■■Ask questions and do your best
As a NQN, remember that our research showed that you are likely to be less confident in your ability than you should be.
The University of Derby offers September and March starts on BSc Adult Nursing and BSc Mental Health Nursing courses in both Derby and Chesterfield.
If you’re considering studying nursing visit the university’s website at derby.ac.uk/nursing