The Student Room Group

We're nursing students - ask us anything

Hey everyone!

We had a lot of questions about studying nursing before we came to uni so we know you must have so much you’d like to know too!

As it's International Nurses Day on Sunday 12 May, we think it’s a great time to talk about our profession.

Ask us anything you like about becoming a nurse and we will do our best to answer!

Evan:
“I am a first-year student studying Nursing (Learning Disability) and Social Work. I am currently out on my hub placement, working within a mental health rehabilitation service, as part of a MDT. I am from Doncaster, and have joined the university as a mature student and a carer for my partner. Before applying for university I was a Support Worker for adults with a learning disability, and/or Autism; a role I worked in for 11+ years before leaving to focus on university. As part of my university course, I have had the opportunity to join a student support group, on Twitter, as part of the 'We Community' called We Student Nurses. I have also been part of the Council of Deans Student Leadership programme. All opportunities that I may have not have taken without the support of the university as I consider myself to be quite an introvert. I am happy to help any student considering to apply to Sheffield Hallam, it really does open many doors and provided many wonderful opportunities.”

Lucy:
"I’m currently in my first year studying BSc Child Nursing at Sheffield Hallam. I’m originally from County Durham, so I moved into halls for this year while next year I’m going to be sharing a house with some other girls from uni. Before starting the course, I gained experience volunteering with summer schools and a pre-school playgroup. I also volunteered with the charity HCPT, which allowed me to spend Easter working with disabled and disadvantaged children from around the world. This taught me invaluable skills which I can take further into my nursing degree/future career. It is this experience that inspired me to apply for this course and work towards my dream. The course is certainly challenging and demanding at times, but it is also very rewarding and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made."

Polly:
“Hello everyone! I'm Polly and I am a third year Nursing (Learning Disability) and Social Work student. I started university when I was 25 after deciding I wanted to broaden my knowledge and skills to further support individuals with learning disabilities. I previously worked as a support worker for 3 and half years in supported living services. I have been able to maintain this employment throughout my time studying. I live locally to Sheffield and commute to university by train. I am currently on my final placement and will be finishing my course in August. Whilst at University I have been a course representative and a student ambassador.”

We will be here throughout the week from Monday 13 - Friday 17 May to answer everything we can. Start asking your questions now and we will be here to help soon!

Scroll to see replies

I’m looking to study nursing next year. I was wondering how many days a week the nursing degree is?
Hey everyone - I'm just quoting you in here as it might be helpful for you - Q&A with current nursing students :smile: You can ask questions by posting in the thread :h:

Spoiler

Hi, I am really hoping to apply for nursing next year, but I am worried about the shift patterns on placement. I have an autoimmune disease which can flare when I don't get enough rest and I'm worried about working night shifts. Just wondering, how flexible are the universities on working around student's disability needs. Thank-you
Happy International Nurses Day everyone!! Looking forward to answering questions throughout the week! Will log back in tomorrow to answer any questions (to the best of my ability) you may have! Polly :smile:

Original post by Sheffield Hallam University
Hey everyone!

We had a lot of questions about studying nursing before we came to uni so we know you must have so much you’d like to know too!

As it's International Nurses Day on Sunday 12 May, we think it’s a great time to talk about our profession.

Ask us anything you like about becoming a nurse and we will do our best to answer!

Evan:
“I am a first-year student studying Nursing (Learning Disability) and Social Work. I am currently out on my hub placement, working within a mental health rehabilitation service, as part of a MDT. I am from Doncaster, and have joined the university as a mature student and a carer for my partner. Before applying for university I was a Support Worker for adults with a learning disability, and/or Autism; a role I worked in for 11+ years before leaving to focus on university. As part of my university course, I have had the opportunity to join a student support group, on Twitter, as part of the 'We Community' called We Student Nurses. I have also been part of the Council of Deans Student Leadership programme. All opportunities that I may have not have taken without the support of the university as I consider myself to be quite an introvert. I am happy to help any student considering to apply to Sheffield Hallam, it really does open many doors and provided many wonderful opportunities.”

Lucy:
"I’m currently in my first year studying BSc Child Nursing at Sheffield Hallam. I’m originally from County Durham, so I moved into halls for this year while next year I’m going to be sharing a house with some other girls from uni. Before starting the course, I gained experience volunteering with summer schools and a pre-school playgroup. I also volunteered with the charity HCPT, which allowed me to spend Easter working with disabled and disadvantaged children from around the world. This taught me invaluable skills which I can take further into my nursing degree/future career. It is this experience that inspired me to apply for this course and work towards my dream. The course is certainly challenging and demanding at times, but it is also very rewarding and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made."

Polly:
“Hello everyone! I'm Polly and I am a third year Nursing (Learning Disability) and Social Work student. I started university when I was 25 after deciding I wanted to broaden my knowledge and skills to further support individuals with learning disabilities. I previously worked as a support worker for 3 and half years in supported living services. I have been able to maintain this employment throughout my time studying. I live locally to Sheffield and commute to university by train. I am currently on my final placement and will be finishing my course in August. Whilst at University I have been a course representative and a student ambassador.”

We will be here throughout the week from Monday 13 - Friday 17 May to answer everything we can. Start asking your questions now and we will be here to help soon!
Happy international nurses day! Evan here. I look forward to answering your questions during the week. I am on placement, but will do my best to answer as soon as each day is over.
Reply 6
Hiya I'm Leah, i previously did Health and Social Care level 3 through college back in 2012-2014.I've decided I'm going to apply for adult nursing at Sheffield Hallam for the September 2020 entry, I've started my application through UCAS, and I'm just wondering if anybody has any tips or advice on what to include in my personal statement. I've worked for the past 3 years as a Rehabilitation assistant in adult care and i would now like to further my skills.
(edited 4 years ago)
Hello, my names sam, I am considering going uni next year to do my nursing degree, I have always wanted to be a nurse and I can’t wait for this to be a reality one day! I am currently a carer in a residential home and I work hard! I’m scared that financially I won’t be able to go to uni, I live by myself and I drive so bills need to be paid! Any advice on what I could do to go to uni and work!
What is it like studying nursing?What sort of things do you learn?
Reply 9
Hi I’m AichaI’m currently in sixth form ans I just want to have some ideas about nursing. Firstly which university are better University of Sheffield or Hallam? I was thinking to be a Cnra nurse but I couldn’t think stages that are required to do so in UK. Would be able to help me with that please Thank you
Hi, I am applying for my first year doing adult nursing. I have completed the health checks and requested for a pre course day however I have not been sent a health questionnaire? Just wondering how I can get this as I am worrying it may affect my place on the pre course day. Thanks Megan
Hello, my name is Olivia I’ll hopefully joining the Nursing (adult) course in September, I’m going through my A-levels. I’m just wondering what would be my options if I don’t achieve the grades I need (BCC), are there any alternatives such as a foundation year, (I’m not to keen on staying another year at my school). Many thanks
Hi Martina

My timetable varies from week to week averaging around 3-4 days however there are weeks where the course runs 5 days a week. Also when on placement I have worked varying shifts as in line with the service I am on placement with. Placement is full time so is 37.5 hours a week

Hope this helps

Polly
Original post by Martinah91
I’m looking to study nursing next year. I was wondering how many days a week the nursing degree is?
Hi Olivia

Great to hear you want to study Nursing at Sheffield Hallam. I am unsure if there is a foundation year on the course might be worth contacting the Admissions Team as they may be able to answer this, if you go on this website there is contact details https://www.shu.ac.uk/contact-us

Polly
Original post by Owalker2202
Hello, my name is Olivia I’ll hopefully joining the Nursing (adult) course in September, I’m going through my A-levels. I’m just wondering what would be my options if I don’t achieve the grades I need (BCC), are there any alternatives such as a foundation year, (I’m not to keen on staying another year at my school). Many thanks
Hi Leah!

Great to hear you wanna study at Sheffield Hallam University! Talk about all your relevant experience and any other transferable skills. Look into relevant health and social care movements- for example policies, current now is the NHS Long Term Plan, look at the NMC Code of practice and discuss relevant skills. Hope this helps and good luck!

Polly
Original post by Leaha6
Hiya I'm Leah, i previously did Health and Social Care level 3 through college back in 2012-2014.I've decided I'm going to apply for adult nursing at Sheffield Hallam for the September 2020 entry, I've started my application through UCAS, and I'm just wondering if anybody has any tips or advice on what to include in my personal statement. I've worked for the past 3 years as a Rehabilitation assistant in adult care and i would now like to further my skills.
Hi Sam

I have maintained employment throughout my time studying the LD nursing and Social Work degree. During my first and second year I managed to keep a contract however i now work on a relief basis as it was becoming a heavy work load and it is important to look after yourself. Speak to student finance and see what support you are entitled to as well as they might be able to help

Polly
Original post by Sam.marsden
Hello, my names sam, I am considering going uni next year to do my nursing degree, I have always wanted to be a nurse and I can’t wait for this to be a reality one day! I am currently a carer in a residential home and I work hard! I’m scared that financially I won’t be able to go to uni, I live by myself and I drive so bills need to be paid! Any advice on what I could do to go to uni and work!
Hi Megan

Sorry but I do not have the direct answer for this

Might be worth contacting the Admissions Team their details are on this website https://www.shu.ac.uk/contact-us

All the best with your course

Polly
Original post by MeganB0208
Hi, I am applying for my first year doing adult nursing. I have completed the health checks and requested for a pre course day however I have not been sent a health questionnaire? Just wondering how I can get this as I am worrying it may affect my place on the pre course day. Thanks Megan
Hi Aicha

I don't know much about University of Sheffield but I can deffo recommend Sheffield Hallam! They have fab facilities and the lecturers are passionate about the work they do

Polly
Original post by Aichaaaa
Hi I’m AichaI’m currently in sixth form ans I just want to have some ideas about nursing. Firstly which university are better University of Sheffield or Hallam? I was thinking to be a Cnra nurse but I couldn’t think stages that are required to do so in UK. Would be able to help me with that please Thank you
Hi

I currently study the Learning Disability Nursing and Social Work Course and I learn lots and lots! Teaching comes from both sessions in University and through learning on placement.

I have learnt a range of clinical skills, gained knowledge around relevant and up to date legislation and policy. Gained knowledge of the NMC standards/ HCPC standards. Learned about specific conditions including management and treatment of these conditions. There is a focus throughout about relationship centred care and building therapeutic relationships. Medication management. Leadership and Management. The importance of collaborative working. The list could go on and on

Hope this helps

Polly
Original post by Anonymous1502
What is it like studying nursing?What sort of things do you learn?
Original post by _pollyallison
Hi

I currently study the Learning Disability Nursing and Social Work Course and I learn lots and lots! Teaching comes from both sessions in University and through learning on placement.

I have learnt a range of clinical skills, gained knowledge around relevant and up to date legislation and policy. Gained knowledge of the NMC standards/ HCPC standards. Learned about specific conditions including management and treatment of these conditions. There is a focus throughout about relationship centred care and building therapeutic relationships. Medication management. Leadership and Management. The importance of collaborative working. The list could go on and on

Hope this helps

Polly

What sort of skills have you learned so far?Is nursing a hard degree?Do you know which type of nursing you would want to specialise in?

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