Can a 2nd year adult nursing student apply for an NHS staff nurse position

Hi everyone, I'm an adult nursing student who has just started her second year at university. There is a position for a staff nurse at the hospital and ward I really want to work at (my dream job literally!). I have already had a placement on this ward and the staff said they would welcome me if I ever applied, however I don't know whether this is too early to apply, but staff nurse positions on this ward don't come up very often and I don't want to miss a chance that may come my way?? Please Help!

Of course you can't apply. You are not qualified - you need your PIN number - and you won't get that for 2 years. And quite frankly given the quality of student nurses these days - I am a senior sister - I would be terrified of you being in charge.

I am aware of that and of course I wouldn't take up a nursing position pre-registration I know how foolhardy that is, I only wondered whether it would be worth applying. Because, some of my fellow second year students have been applying for positions, subject to qualification. Also I don't know what student nurses you've met, but many of us are excellent.

I am aware of that and of course I wouldn't take up a nursing position pre-registration I know how foolhardy that is, I only wondered whether it would be worth applying. Because, some of my fellow second year students have been applying for positions, subject to qualification. Also I don't know what student nurses you've met, but many of us are excellent.

And quite frankly given the quality of student nurses these days - I am a senior sister - I would be terrified of you being in charge.

no really not. the health board here in scotland does a recruitment panel were jobs have to be approved. if a ward was to appoint a none qualified student with nearly a two year wait before they could even start. 2 things would happen the ward would be under staffed for 2 years,this can be quite serious on the current staff in relation to stress and retention and patient safety. and secondary with a wait of 2 years the senior managers would simply delete the post and claim the ward could cope. it may be your ideal role but your way not theirs. no matter how great a nurse you may become.

You are at the start by your own admission - of your second year. They are not going to hold a job open for you for that length of time.

We have students attached to our department and I have to interact with them.

I think when you start a placement you should at least read up on the patients whom you will meet and their diseases. I find very few do. They stand around gormlessly looking at their phones.

I always ask about medications - invariably they don't know other than the very basic. I had a third year recently who knew not one of medications I asked her - and we are talking simple stuff - like what is atorvastatin. What is co-codamol.

You may think you are excellent - and indeed you may be but such arrogance does not sit well with the regular staff on the wards

Couldn’t you have just given her advice without putting her down at the same time?

Don't worry I know exactly what kind of students you mean, don't worry they really annoy me as well . I would never dream of acting that way on any of my placements. I have a lot of love and passion for the nursing profession.

Well then - you will make a fine nurse. Too many students do it for the wrong reasons.

My advice to you then is always prepare for a placement. Always learn the disorders that may affect patients. Read the notes. Look at the medications and ask ask ask. I never get irritated by questioning students. I love teaching but I hate teaching the ones who would rather be elsewhere.

Every placement is a learning experience - they may not always be the most exciting but you can take something from each one.

Absolutely! I have loved all my placement blocks, I've not had a bad one so far!

Of course you can't apply. You are not qualified - you need your PIN number - and you won't get that for 2 years. And quite frankly given the quality of student nurses these days - I am a senior sister - I would be terrified of you being in charge.