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Uni Student Support - Where to go with nowhere to go?

So, I’ve had on going issues with placement (I’m a paeds nursing student).
My uni and other fellow students have had similar problems with this one specific placement area however, despite a desperate plea for support from the university regarding these issues it’s been hopeless.

I have tried to access a variety of different support, (Personal tutor, student union, ward manager, link lecturer, student services) all of whom have plainly told me to “put on a brave face and suck it up” but the bullying culture has continued and I’m not sure how much more I can take of this. I really am at a loss. Where else I can possibly go for some help!??…

If ANYONE has ANY suggestions at all please please please let me know.

Reply 1

Bexh133

Original post by Anonymous

So, I’ve had on going issues with placement (I’m a paeds nursing student).
My uni and other fellow students have had similar problems with this one specific placement area however, despite a desperate plea for support from the university regarding these issues it’s been hopeless.
I have tried to access a variety of different support, (Personal tutor, student union, ward manager, link lecturer, student services) all of whom have plainly told me to “put on a brave face and suck it up” but the bullying culture has continued and I’m not sure how much more I can take of this. I really am at a loss. Where else I can possibly go for some help!??…
If ANYONE has ANY suggestions at all please please please let me know.

Hey, first of all, I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing this.

Have you spoken to anyone at the placement? Telling them how you're feeling? I know it might seem scary, but maybe if you were open with them, they might understand and try to adapt their approach / have a chat with their staff? The first thing they will say if the Uni did get involved is 'they didn't raise this concern with us / we didn't know they felt this way'.

Secondly I would keep trying the Uni as frustrating as it is, tell them again how it is affecting you and your experience and that you feel like you are not being taken seriously enough. Do this in person by going to their office, and also over email so you have written evidence that you have reached out to them. Write statements of the bullying you are experiencing so they have examples to read.

If nothing comes from this...

Contact ACAS about the placement and see what they suggest. I had an issue with my job a few months back and ACAS called me and told me what to do, which worked and everything was figured out. You could contact them now, but they may suggest talking with the placement first also.
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If still no support from the Uni, write an email or letter saying you'd like to go through a formal complaint procedure that you are not receiving the level of support promised when choosing the University. They may not do anything about it still, but it might make them take you more seriously.

I hope it gets better for you!