BU practice educator Belinda Humphries and practice learning advisor Jo Hirdle shared their thoughts on the benefits of student nursing placements in the Nursing Standard.

“Practice experiences can be among the most memorable, enjoyable and rewarding times for students embarking on their nursing careers,” they wrote in the article, which appeared in a student supplement.

“They can also be thought-provoking, pressurised and challenging.”

Nursing students spend 50 per cent of their course on placement, and Belinda and Jo said that the BU practice learning adviser team helps students discuss any concerns they may have in advance of their first placement.

They also suggest that students should try to make a placement preparation checklist, including things like checking shift patterns and travel arrangements, identifying their mentor and other placement support, and looking at uniform policies.

The article also featured first year BU nursing student Kate Allaway, who spoke about her placement experience at Magna Care Home in Poole, and her mentor Heidi Williams, who manages the care home.

Kate said: “As I learned new nursing skills, Heidi encouraged me to write a case study.

“This was helpful and I believe all students should do this.”