Pre-placement Stress

"Before placement I just didn't know WHAT to expect"

Try and talk to other students who have experience of clinical placement and, if appropriate, consider a pre-placement visit.

Close

"I FEAR the unknown"

It's normal to feel a little anxious when facing new experiences. Sharing your fears with other students can be a good way of dealing with this anxiety.

Close

"When I go on my first placement I might not know what to do, I might feel silly"

No-one will expect you to know everything! Be as well prepared as possible, but realistic about expectations. Talking to students who have experienced this placement previously may be helpful. Practice asking for direction/guidance from lecturers – to develop correct tone, phraseology and confidence.

Close

"I'm not good with direction and time management. Will I be able to find the place and get there on time? What should I do to prepare?"

It may be a good idea to have a practise run first. Make sure you can find your placement location and time how long it takes. Remember to factor for rush hour traffic if you do your practise at another time during the day. Speak to your clinical educator prior to placement if possible. They can talk to you about any specific preparatory reading/work that may be of value.

Close

"What if a patient falls when they're in my care…. how bad would I feel…..will I be disciplined"

Sometimes things don't go to plan in the clinical environment, and you may be exposed to untoward incidents. This is part of the learning process. Make sure you are confident with risk assessment, safeguarding and moving and handling. If you see or are involved in an incident during clinical placement you MUST report this to your clinical educator. They are there to support you.

Close

"How hard is a full day's work and being on my feet ALL day?"

Clinical placement can be tiring both physically and mentally. Ensure you get enough rest in the run up to placement.

Close

"I am concerned that I won't know how to answer a question, from patients, relatives, colleagues or my clinical educator "

If you don't know an answer, be honest and say you don't know! Show that you are willing to find out, whether that means doing some extra reading or finding someone who can supply the correct information.

Close

"What if I can't help patients because I don't know what's wrong?"

When you are on placement you will have a network of people supporting you, both from the clinical and academic fields. These individuals have training to support students and will be able to guide you and help you develop your clinical reasoning skills. Listening skills, empathy, common sense and guidance can sometimes be the most helpful and safe response.

Close

"If I am not enjoying the placement, how would I cope?"

Most students will have some placements they enjoy more than others. It is important to set SMART objectives so that you can see that you are achieving goals and developing clinically, even if it is not a clinical area that particularly interests you. Sometimes the most personal learning happens at the least expected times – use all clinical experience as an opportunity irrespective of personal choice.

Close

"I am concerned about failing – I don't want to have to repeat the placement"

It is understandable that students fear failing their clinical placement. If you are finding the placement difficult, the clinical and academic staff will work closely with you to set an improvement action plan. Don't let the stress of anticipated failing sabotage your thinking. Take each challenge at a time and listen to understand constructive criticism…..rather than hearing it as personal criticism

Close

"I am still developing my communication skills. What about if I'm not able to communicate well with my patients and colleagues"

Most people are in the same boat! The early placements provide an ideal opportunity for you to practise and hone your basic communication skills. During later placements you will be able to adapt your skills to more complex situations. Remember we all communicate differently in each new situation. Remain honest, pleasant and professional.

Close

"I realise that 4 weeks full-time assessment is VERY intense but exciting"

Absolutely! It is realistic to assume that your clinical placement experience will be demanding, but you will also be exposed to lots of exciting opportunities. Using critical reflection before, during and after your placement can help you map and deepen your progress.

Close