What studying nursing has taught me - My final year at Kingston University.
When I started my nursing degree, I thought I had a decent idea of what it would be like, learning how to take blood pressure, doing night shifts on placement, and helping people feel better. And while all of that is true, what I didn’t expect was just how much it would teach me about myself, others and the world around me.
One of the first things I learned was the importance of effective communication. I used to get nervous speaking up on placement, especially when I was new on a ward and everyone else seemed so confident. But over time, I’ve realised that it’s not about knowing everything, it’s about asking questions, listening actively, and making sure people feel heard, especially patients. Something as simple as explaining what’s happening can really make a difference to someone anxious or confused.
Another big thing has been emotional resilience. There have been days I’ve come home completely drained, both mentally and emotionally. I remember one placement on a respiratory ward where we lost a patient I’d been helping care for all week. I held it together during my shift, but cried the moment I got home. It’s moments like that that make you realise how tough nursing can be. But I’ve also learned it’s okay to feel things, and that reflecting, talking to other students, and knowing when to take a break is part of looking after yourself, too.
I’ve also come to understand how fast-paced and unpredictable nursing is. You could walk onto shift thinking it’ll be a quiet day, and suddenly be dealing with three admissions at once. It’s taught me to stay calm (or at least look like I am), prioritise what needs to be done, and do my best with the support around me.
Honestly, placement has taught me more than I ever expected. You can study a condition for hours in a textbook, but nothing compares to seeing how it affects a real person, their mood, their family, and how they manage daily life. This made me realise nursing isn’t just about clinical knowledge but about empathy, teamwork, and adapting to each person’s needs.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned, though, is that nursing is not a solo job. Working with healthcare assistants, ward sisters, doctors, cleaners, and porters has shown me how important everyone’s role is. Some of the best support I’ve had has come from HCAs who took the time to show me the ropes when I was completely lost during my first shift.
Nursing has challenged me and helped me grow in ways I never expected. How has your journey shaped you?
~ Annabel (Kingston Official Rep).
One of the first things I learned was the importance of effective communication. I used to get nervous speaking up on placement, especially when I was new on a ward and everyone else seemed so confident. But over time, I’ve realised that it’s not about knowing everything, it’s about asking questions, listening actively, and making sure people feel heard, especially patients. Something as simple as explaining what’s happening can really make a difference to someone anxious or confused.
Another big thing has been emotional resilience. There have been days I’ve come home completely drained, both mentally and emotionally. I remember one placement on a respiratory ward where we lost a patient I’d been helping care for all week. I held it together during my shift, but cried the moment I got home. It’s moments like that that make you realise how tough nursing can be. But I’ve also learned it’s okay to feel things, and that reflecting, talking to other students, and knowing when to take a break is part of looking after yourself, too.
I’ve also come to understand how fast-paced and unpredictable nursing is. You could walk onto shift thinking it’ll be a quiet day, and suddenly be dealing with three admissions at once. It’s taught me to stay calm (or at least look like I am), prioritise what needs to be done, and do my best with the support around me.
Honestly, placement has taught me more than I ever expected. You can study a condition for hours in a textbook, but nothing compares to seeing how it affects a real person, their mood, their family, and how they manage daily life. This made me realise nursing isn’t just about clinical knowledge but about empathy, teamwork, and adapting to each person’s needs.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned, though, is that nursing is not a solo job. Working with healthcare assistants, ward sisters, doctors, cleaners, and porters has shown me how important everyone’s role is. Some of the best support I’ve had has come from HCAs who took the time to show me the ropes when I was completely lost during my first shift.
Nursing has challenged me and helped me grow in ways I never expected. How has your journey shaped you?
~ Annabel (Kingston Official Rep).
(edited 9 months ago)
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