We All Need To Learn: How Student Nurses Can Affect Appointments

I met Emma, my new CPN, on Wednesday and she had a student nurse with her. I am very tolerant of students and agreed for the student to sit in on the appointment, even though it was the first time I had met Emma and thus an introductory meeting. I was soon wishing I hadn’t allowed her to sit in.

I have a theory that everyone learns something from someone else and the only way a student nurse will learn what to do is by accompanying a qualified nurse on his or her day schedule. Unfortunately this theory didn’t work too well as I was so nervous and on edge by having the student in the room that I barely managed to say anything other than mono-syllabic answers to Emma in the 45 minutes that we had (cut short to make way for the student’s assignment presentation).

I didn’t get chance to mention the list and all the things I wanted to talk about. In fact we didn’t seem to talk about a lot, the appointment was mainly me explaining breathing exercises and body scans/mindfulness to the student with Emma listening to my answers.

Then I left, with another appointment in 3 weeks time, with the opportunity to phone if I need her help. I am beginning to realise how fantastic the private sector and the Priory was, with frequent appointments, no students and guaranteed alloted times.

Now I feel very alone until I see my GP in about 10 days time. I feel isolated and ignored and worst of all horribly depressed. I know I can get through this time without support, it’s just a lot can happen in 10 days, especially in my life.

Ruth