Why my clinical placements inspired me to care for older people

Starting a new life in Aberdeen

I’m Sourav, a student nurse at Robert Gordon University. I moved from the beautiful countryside of Punjab, India, to Aberdeen to start my nursing career. I'm the first person in my family to go to university.

In high school, I studied Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, English and my regional language, Punjabi, at an advanced level. Coming to the UK at 19 was a big step, especially as I needed to pass a high-level English language test to get onto my course. 

Aberdeen is a long way from home, but the learning opportunities here are excellent. I feel very lucky to train with NHS Grampian because the resources and the people are fantastic.

The best career advice I ever had came from my parents. They told me to always do my work with honesty and dignity. I carry that advice with me to every lecture and on every shift.

Managing a busy clinical placement schedule

Managing 40 hours of clinical placement each week can feel quite challenging at times. My focus on helping people gives me the resilience to keep going every single day.

On top of that, I work part-time as a healthcare support worker to support my studies. Picking up staff bank shifts gives me the flexibility I need to work alongside my busy placement schedule. It also helps me develop my clinical skills and confidence on the ward, which is great preparation for becoming a registered adult nurse!

I think it’s essential for all healthcare students to work in support roles. It helps you understand how primary and secondary care work together. This includes care in the community and in large hospitals like the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Learning through practice placements

My placements have helped me explore various areas of care, from operating theatres and labs to rehabilitation centres across different hospitals. These experiences are important because they show me how every part of the hospital works together to help people get back to better health.

I even attend huddle meetings where we solve hospital issues as a team. This helps me understand how to provide holistic care. I work closely with registered nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, and dietitians. Teamwork is what keeps us all going during a long 12-hour shift, and we all work together to support the people in our care.

It’s not only the nurses who supervise the students. Healthcare support workers also share their insight and knowledge about patient needs. People often think nurses only provide personal care, but the reality is far from it. We are often the link between all the different healthcare professionals, making sure the patient’s voice is always heard.

Impacting people's lives every day

Making a difference in people's lives is what keeps me motivated when things get tough. Sometimes it’s a big thing, like being part of a team that performs life-saving CPR. Other times, it’s a small thing, like holding a hand or listening to a story that hasn't been told in years.

I’ve seen how listening and providing emotional support can change a patient’s whole mood. It helps them feel seen and heard during a time when they might feel quite vulnerable.

I’m also often the first point of contact for families who are feeling very worried about their loved ones. Clearly and calmly explaining what’s happening can help address their fears.

Thinking on my feet

By catching a small change in a patient's health, we can act quickly to help them recover faster. I use critical thinking every day to connect the dots and make sure that I provide the best possible care. Good communication is also essential because it makes things much easier for the patient and their family.

Helping a patient get better and seeing their family happy makes me smile when I’m at work. Student nurses often have a huge impact on building trust and understanding. This is because patients often feel very comfortable opening up to us about their feelings.

As a student nurse, I see so many different aspects of life in each 12-hour shift. I support patients during the harder moments and laugh with them when they feel better and are ready to go home. I feel happy that I chose nursing because I enjoy every moment.

Finding my passion: caring for older adults

I never expected to enjoy caring for older people, but a placement on an acute ward helped me find my focus. I lost my grandma during my first year of study, and being away from my family during that time was difficult. Supporting older adults felt like therapy for me because it reminded me of the close connection I had with her.

Even if patients have dementia or a cognitive decline, they have so many important stories that need to be heard. They still need someone to listen to them with compassion and treat them with the dignity they deserve. Seeing someone get back to better health is a feeling I can't quite describe.

One of the most significant moments for me was when my dedication to nursing was shared on the NHS Grampian social media pages. It felt wonderful to be recognised for the hard work I put into my studies and my job on the ward. It reminded me that even as a student, the effort you put in is noticed by your colleagues and patients.

My top 3 tips for your career

• Develop your skills—Working as a support worker while you study gives you the practical exposure you need to become a confident nurse.
• Embrace every chance—Use your placements to visit different wards and theatres so you can find the area of care you love.
• Work with honesty—My parents told me to always do my work honestly and with dignity, and that is the best advice I can pass on.

Helping people gives me a sense of pride that I haven't found anywhere else. I have no regrets about choosing to become a nurse!