We live in interesting times. Healthcare is facing a crisis, the likes of which hasn’t been seen in generations. Hundreds of thousands of people have died across the globe, with millions more living in lockdown and schools and workplaces forced to close. Life, as we know it right now, is very different from the world we knew before. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone across the country in their own way, but for student nurses, this outbreak has presented a unique challenge. Thousands of us over the past month have stepped into extended practice placements, while others have seen their degree shift to online learning. Our course, one which was already taxing, has become even more difficult for many. As ever though, student nurses have been found ready to rise to the occasion.
In response to calls from our national governments, student nurses in all four UK nations have volunteered to take on paid roles with the NHS to assist in this time of need. Others have been hard at work on coursework from home, for many learning in a way that is entirely new to both them and their lecturers. This is a difficult time for all of us yet while those who have opted to work in clinical settings have found themselves praised for their actions, those who have not have found themselves under critique from some. In this time, it is more crucial than ever that we stand together to tackle these negative attitudes, valuing the contribution that all of us are able to make. As nurses, we are able to appreciate that every individual has their own set of circumstances, which for many have made entering into practice at this time unwise or impossible. Be it due to underlying health conditions, childcare concerns or someone just not feeling ready, there are countless reasons for individuals to opt-out. All are valid.
To those who are staying on at university during this time, or who have perhaps felt it necessary to take a break in from studying entirely, don’t be disheartened. Nursing is not easy at the best of times, and whether a student chooses to opt-in or not bears no reflection on their dedication to the course. That dedication is shown by how hard you work every single day as a student nurse, be that in class or on placement. In an online age, it is easier than ever to compare ourselves against others but never underestimate the contribution you make in your role. Each and every one of us makes a difference, not only to patients but to our colleagues and peers in hospitals and universities. When the dust settles after this crisis, we will still very much need each and every one of you in nursing. It really takes all kinds and so, whether you are starting out tomorrow on a new shift on the ward, or getting cracking on some coursework, remember one thing: there’s more than one way to be a great nurse.
Grant Byrne is a fourth-year nursing student in Edinburgh and a student contributor to the nursing journal Nursing Standard. He will soon be stepping into an extended placement to complete his studies. You can follow him on Twitter @GGByrne
Picture courtesy of Needpix.com
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