This global pandemic has really raised awareness of the work of nurses. 2020 is the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, and what a year it has been.
As registered nurses returning to practice, we are not dissimilar to our students, who experience a range of feelings when going to a new placement. In fact, our third-year nursing students, working as part of the COVID-19 response, are probably more comfortable in practice than we are.
The clinical education we received as part of our return to practice has been superb, preparing us very well to provide safe clinical care. Students are themselves receiving induction and clinical education, and it is wonderful to be working with them side by side. While we know many of the people in the critical care team, as previous or current students, colleagues and friends, we don’t underestimate how daunting it must be for students less familiar with the people and teams they are joining.
The students may be fearful, but we hope they know they are not alone. We also felt fear stepping into the unknown and particularly the new ‘red zone’ ICU for the first time.
However, all the team have looked after us so well and their support is amazing. They have coped so well with all our questions. Students also remain part of their programme team, with access to all the support, guidance and pastoral care on offer.