Institute of Health Updates

Hello everyone! 

2020 was a difficult year to be a student nurse, with 2021 marking its presense to have similar difficulties. There have been many barriers to practice, and uncertain times where we have been in the dark. We as student nurses have faced numerous challenges, and I applaud all of you for your hard work and efforts throughout. Whilst 2020/2021 has been a challenging year for student nurses. We have risen to the challenge and allowed our potential to shine through, developing ourselves into highly-competent healthcare professionals. All nursing students within the university have played their part to support the COVID response. Whether you was on placement, picking up extra bank shifts, or supporting a loved one through these uncertain times, you have played your part, and bringing hope that this will hopefully come to an end sooner rather than later.

It's been great to meet so many of you through this first semester, and whilst most meetings I would have preferred to have hosted in the Universities Starbucks, I thank you all for taking the time with meeting with me through Teams/Zoom. As a second year student nurse, this year has been challenging for me too. Alongside the placement duties, this role and completing assignments, I completely emphasise with students who are feeling tired and run down. Please reach out, and utilise the services in place to support you if required.

I am immensely proud to be working with each and every one of you, and whilst I’ve only been in post since September, we’ve seen some amazing positive changes happen at the university, which will not only influence yourselves, but for cohorts in the future. Regardless of whether this is your first year or last, thank you for being the eyes and ears of your cohort, for raising concerns but for also raising the positives at the university too.

• We’ve started monthly meetings with practice leads to ensure any concerns are being ironed out
• We are building strong and proactive relationships with our course leaders and FEHW staff.
• We are leaning towards an approach where we support each other as peers – in both practice and theory.
• We have discussed the need for a proactive personal-tutor:student working relationship
• Issues with student finance and the Learning Support Fund have been rectified.
• The university have agreed to increase uniform allowance for student nurses

Thank you all for your hard work as always. I look forward to posting another blog update in the coming months.

 Chris x