Second-year nursing student Isabella found working on a COVID-19 ward to be rewarding and challenging in equal measure
When the option to take an extended paid clinical placement or to take the theory-only route was first proposed to us, I immediately jumped at the chance to do the former. To be given the choice to do this during a pandemic seemed like a once in a lifetime experience; I had no vulnerabilities and neither did my family, so I was fortunate enough to be able to volunteer.
I just wanted to feel as though I was making a tiny change for the better, however small, throughout this period of time that will go down in history. Although I do completely respect students who opted-out, it felt like the right decision for me.
Despite being extremely demanding, being able to make a change and see those who had been tested positive for COVID-19 recover and return home was such an amazing feeling. I was fully embraced as one of the team and was able to grow in confidence, as well as develop professionally.
I was fully embraced as one of the team and was
able to grow in confidence
able to grow in confidence
Opting-in, I was employed as a band 3 student nurse for 15 weeks. During my time on the ward the team allowed me to administer medication under supervision, and help with IV and blood transfusions. I was constantly provided with new learning opportunities.
The staff on the ward went above and beyond for every patient – one day I even witnessed a consultant making tea and toast for a patient – and they were all an inspiration to me.
The experience has enabled me to develop and grow so much within myself and I find myself handling situations with a new sense of maturity. When I think back to my first placement I felt so dependent on other staff almost all the time but now I feel more equipped to deal with stress and manage challenging situations.
Difficult emotions
A moment I won’t forget was when the first patient I cared for died. This is always difficult and allows us as health care professionals to reflect and work holistically.
You feel so much empathy for the patient and their family who are unable to properly say goodbye. A socially distanced goodbye, in full PPE, within a time limit, is so hard. It was difficult to watch. I felt lost for words and just thought; what can I say to make this better? Sometimes there is nothing you can say. It was challenging and I felt it hard to switch off my emotions once leaving the workplace.
However, as the placement progressed, although it never becomes easy, I found myself becoming more resilient and able to deal with difficult situations with greater strength.
The pandemic has been something completely unknown to everyone – nobody anticipated this. I feel proud of my contribution and I hope to carry the experience and all I learned through into my nursing career to aid me in my professional journey. I’ll never forget it.
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