How to Survive Your First Placement on the Ward

The lead-up to your first placement block is a nerve-racking time; trying to digest the wealth of information thrown at you in the first few weeks of university, combined with fear of the unknown, the pressure to get competencies signed, wanting to do a good job, and make a good first impression. As a third-year BSc Midwifery student, those fears haven’t totally disappeared; however, I have discovered a few tips and tricks along the way that make placement blocks more manageable – and even enjoyable. 

Bring a Water Bottle

Sounds obvious but placement shifts are long, wards are often hot, and you are on your feet the majority of the time. Keeping hydrated is important, and having your own water bottle nearby so you can take a drink as and when really helps. Top tip: label your water bottle so no one confuses yours with their own.  

What to Invest in

A5 notepads

An A5 notepad will fit comfortably in your pocket and enable you to note down important information, such as patient observations, as well as help you keep track of any proficiencies you want to add to your Practice Assessment Record and Evaluation (PARE) document later. 

Different Coloured Pens 

Pens are like gold dust on the ward, and you will lose several, so keeping a stock of pens is a must. Different coloured pens are useful for highlighting risk factors, allergies, or any notes you need to remember more urgently. 

A Fob Watch

Very affordable from websites such as Amazon, a fob watch is useful for counting patients’ heart rate and respirations, and for keeping an eye on the time when being bare below the elbows is a requirement.

Begin Meal Prepping

Without this, you will end up spending a fortune in the hospital canteen/shop, and some NHS trusts leave a lot to be desired when it comes to lunch options. Meal prepping ensures you have a tasty and nutritious lunch, allowing you to maintain your energy levels for the remainder of your shift.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask!

Unfamiliar environments can be daunting, especially when you are eager to make a good first impression. But if you don’t know the answer to a question, be honest! You won’t be expected to know everything yet. If someone asks you to get an item and you don’t know where it is, ask someone. You’re not expected to be a mind reader. 

Have Faith in Yourself

Placement brings a lot of new challenges, and whilst it is exciting, it can also be difficult. You are learning new skills, meeting new people, not to mention trying to keep on top of assignments. Some days it might feel like you are not performing your best, but everyone was a beginner once, and it’s so important to have faith in yourself and your abilities – you can do it!

Enjoy it!

This is the beginning of the journey you have worked so hard towards. You have the chance to develop your strengths and gain so much hands-on experience. And by the third year, you’ll look back and won’t believe how far you’ve come and how much there is still to learn!