Advice for Nursing Placements
DCU nursing students are scheduled for up to 3,120 hours of clinical practice and complete the minimum of 2,300 hours required for registration. Third-year student, Amy Matthews, has currently completed nine specialist placements and multiple core placements, totalling 1500 hours of practical placements. Amy shares her advice for thriving on placement.
What placements have you completed so far in your nursing degree?
I’ve completed general medical and surgical placements for both adult and paediatric care. I’ve also completed two-week specialty placements in intellectual disability, mental health, maternity, public health, paediatric and adult operating theatres, and emergency departments. On top of those core placements, I had the opportunity to do a four-week paediatric oncology placement in Tanzania, spending two weeks on two different specialty wards.
How do you feel before going on placement?
I always feel nervous before starting somewhere new - mostly about making a good first impression, finding my way around, and introducing myself. However, having a solid knowledge base has built my confidence, and I’ve found that each new placement gets easier over time. I find the culture of the nursing programme in DCU to be widely positive. Being amongst peers that are experiencing similar challenges as well as positive experiences is very encouraging. Placement can differ from place to place but in general the clinical staff are very supportive and eager to teach.
How did you prepare for each placement?
Once assigned to a ward, I research its specific specialty, such as cardiology, and review the ward’s information pack and resources. I also find it helpful to look up common conditions, medications, and procedures relevant to that clinical area.
Amy Matthews
Was there one placement in particular that stood out to you?
Tanzania definitely stood out the most, it was an incredible opportunity. Experiencing a different culture gave me a fresh perspective on our own healthcare system and made me realise how fortunate we are. It also showed me the power of resourcefulness in nursing, especially when working with limited supplies.
How did you balance clinical placements with your academic studies?
Some semesters were easier than others. When placement falls at the beginning of the semester, it can be easier because you can focus solely on clinical practice. However, if it lands mid-semester, balance comes down to setting aside dedicated time on your days off to handle coursework and prepare for assessments.
Looking back, what has been the best part of your placement experiences?
Beyond the Tanzania trip, the highlights are the everyday moments—meeting new people, building clinical confidence, and knowing you are truly making a difference for your patients. Having learned a clinical skill in a controlled environment prior to placement makes you feel a lot more confident when that scenario arises in real life. I feel more capable performing a new skill when I have the background knowledge to go along with it. When applying theory to practice it creates a greater understanding of the rationale behind that nursing practice.
What is your top tip for students preparing for an upcoming placement?
Always know your scope of practice and stay within it. Even if you feel you should know how to do something, ask for help if you don't feel completely competent. It's always important to be able to recognise your limitations in order to prioritise patient safety.