Preparation for practice learning

Once you have accessed the Placements on the Web (POW) website and have the details of your allocated placement it is best to deal with the practical aspects first:

Where is it?
How will I get there?
How long will it take me to get there? Test drive to find out.
Is it easily reached using public transport?

Placement working patterns should mimic those of your practice mentor, which will include nights, weekends and long/short shifts.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) require students in placement to experience a wide array of work patterns during the course, therefore you will be required to undertake these shifts during your placement.

Secondary jobs cannot be used as an excuse to skip working the shifts alongside your mentor.

What to expect

Practice placements can be daunting, so it helps to get an understanding of what will be expected of your before you set foot in your new place of work and learning.

Find out what you should expect and what is expected of you, as well as what to do when things don't quite go to plan.

What to expect on your practice placement