Starting your first nursing placement can feel daunting, and that’s completely normal. Most students arrive on day one feeling unsure, nervous and a little out of their depth. But remember – no one is expecting you to be an expert. This is the beginning of your learning in a real-world environment, not the final test.
Nursing placements are designed to give you practical experience and help you build confidence on the job. You’ll apply what you’ve been taught in before-hand while learning how to navigate the pace, routines, and challenges of working within healthcare settings.
While clinical skills are important, things like communication, teamwork, and timekeeping matter just as much. The way you approach the placement can make a world of difference, so focus on being prepared, professional, respectful, and open to the experience.
You’re far from alone in feeling nervous and by the end, you’ll be surprised at how far you’ve come.
1. A Checklist for Your First Nursing Placement
There’s a lot to think about before your first day, but getting organised in advance makes all the difference. Use this checklist to ensure you know what to expect:
Know the basics
- Double-check your start date, shift time, and placement location.
- Make a note of who to report to and don’t be afraid to phone ahead if anything’s unclear.
Uniform & ID
- Make sure your uniform is clean, fits well, and feels comfortable.
- Bring a spare top if you have one, accidents happen.
- Collect your ID badge early if your nursing placement provider requires it. Some trusts don’t issue them on the day.
Footwear
- Most nursing placements require black, flat, non-slip shoes.
- Prioritise comfort as you’ll be on your feet for most of the shift.
Paperwork & Training
- Check that your DBS certificate and occupational health clearance are completed.
- Finish any mandatory e-learning before day one. Some systems require this for access.
Travel plans
- Plan your route in advance, whether by train, bus, or car.
- Aim to arrive 15 minutes early so you have time to collect yourself and prepare.
What to pack
- Pen and small notebook
- Water bottle
- Light snack
- Hand sanitiser
- Any required documents
Quick Tip
Try to get a proper night’s sleep. It’ll help with nerves and give you a clearer head for your first shift.
2. Your First Day - What Will Happen
As we just mentioned, it’s a good idea to arrive around 15 minutes early. It shows you’re prepared and gives you time to settle yourself before the shift begins. First impressions matter, and punctuality is one of the easiest ways to make a good one.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll likely be shown around the ward or department. You’ll be told where to store your belongings, how the day is structured, and who to go to if you need support. Expect to meet quite a few people – some staff might introduce themselves, others might be mid-shift and not have time straight away. Don’t take it personally.
There will usually be some admin to go through. This might include your learning outcomes, induction paperwork, and your timesheet. You may also be asked to sign policies or be shown local procedures.
It’s completely normal if your first day mostly involves shadowing. You might follow a nurse or healthcare assistant for most of the shift, helping where appropriate. Some teams may not know what your skill level is yet, so don’t be surprised if they’re cautious to begin with.
If things feel a bit slow or disorganised, try to stay patient and polite. Offer to observe, assist with small tasks, or ask if there’s anything you can help with. Even folding sheets or stocking up on equipment gives you a chance to get used to the environment.
Bring a small notebook and write things down (names, routines, bits of advice, things to do, etc…). No one expects you to remember everything, especially on day one. If you forget someone’s name, just ask again. Everyone knows you’re new.
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3. Settling In - The First Week
The first week of nursing placement is all about finding your feet. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel confident straight away, most students take time to settle in with some taking longer than others. It’s completely normal to feel unsure during the first few shifts while you get used to the place, pace, people, and routine.
You’ll likely begin with basic tasks, such as assisting with personal care, taking observations, or restocking supplies. These may seem small, but they help you build trust with the team and show that you’re willing to get involved. Being dependable early on is noticed far more often than you might think.
If you’re ever unsure about something, ask. No one expects you to know everything, and asking questions is part of the learning process. It’s better to double-check than to guess – especially in a clinical setting.
Even when you’re observing, try to stay engaged. Watch how staff interact with patients, how care is prioritised, and how routines unfold. You’ll pick up more than you realise just by paying attention.
When someone takes time to explain something to you, note it down and let them know you appreciate it. A simple thank you can go a long way and helps build positive relationships with the team.
Some days will feel busy and intense, while others might be slower. Both are normal. Use the quieter times to ask questions or go over what you’ve learned so far. Each day builds on the last and by the end of the first week, things often feel a little less overwhelming.
4. Managing Expectations
Placements aren’t always smooth, and it’s important to keep your expectations realistic. Nursing is both physically and emotionally demanding, so it’s completely normal to feel drained after a shift – especially in the early weeks when everything is new (you’ll get used to it).
There will be times when you don’t have anything to do. That doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. Staff may be focused on tasks that can’t involve students, or the ward might simply be quiet. Use the time to reflect, ask questions, or update your notes. It all counts towards your learning.
Not every member of staff will have the time or capacity to support you during every shift. This can feel disheartening, but try not to take it personally. Do your best to be polite, approachable, and engaged. Most teams will warm up as you become more familiar.
You are not expected to take on the same responsibilities as a qualified nurse. Your role is to learn safely and gradually, with supervision. That means you won’t be making clinical decisions or managing full patient loads and no one should expect you to.
You might witness or be involved in emotionally difficult situations, especially in acute or end-of-life care. It’s okay if these moments affect you. Speak to your practice assessor or university support team if anything feels too heavy to carry on your own. Reflecting on these experiences is part of your development, they’ll help to shape the kind of nurse you’ll become.
5. Tips for Coping with Nerves and Getting the Most from Your Nursing Placement
Feeling nervous is a natural part of starting something new, especially when it involves real people and real responsibilities. But there are a few things you can do to make your day run more smoothly and help settle your nerves. Here’s a few tips that should help to calm your nerves:
Get organised the night before – Lay out your uniform, pack your bag with anything you might need, and check your route. A calm morning makes a big difference.
Eat before your shift – Even a small meal can help maintain your energy. Working on an empty stomach makes the day feel longer.
Set small goals for each week – These could be things like helping with personal care, asking about a patient’s care plan, or observing a handover. Keep it achievable.
Talk to others on your course – Sharing how things are going helps normalise your experience. Chances are, they feel the same way you do.
Write down small wins – If something goes well, make a quick note. It’ll be helpful for reflections or portfolio work later.
Say “I don’t know” when needed – It’s honest, professional, and expected. No one expects you to know everything, you’re there to learn.
If things feel overwhelming during a shift, it’s okay to pause. Step aside, take a few breaths, and reset. You’re human, and placements are a big learning curve. Taking care of yourself is part of becoming a safe and effective nurse.
6. When to Speak Up
Knowing when to speak up on your nursing placement is part of what to expect as a student nurse. It can feel uncomfortable, especially as a student, but raising concerns is part of your professional responsibility and it shows maturity, not weakness or rudeness.
If you ever feel unsafe, unsupported, or out of your depth, speak to your practice assessor or university link lecturer. Placements should be a safe space for learning, not something that leaves you feeling anxious or alone.
If you witness something that doesn’t sit right (unprofessional behaviour, poor practice, or anything that could affect patient safety), you should report it. You’re not causing trouble by doing so. Raising concerns is part of being a responsible healthcare professional.
Sometimes students are unsure what to expect in terms of involvement. While it’s normal for staff to be busy, you should still be included in learning opportunities and basic day-to-day tasks. If you’re regularly left out, speak up. That’s not how a nursing placement is supposed to work.
Mental health matters too. If the experience is starting to affect your wellbeing, don’t keep it to yourself. Most universities have dedicated support services, and it’s far better to speak to someone early than to struggle through in silence.
The earlier you raise an issue, the easier it is to sort. You won’t be judged for speaking up. In fact, it shows you’re taking your training seriously.
Wrapping Up: Reflecting on Your First Nursing Placement
Once your first placement comes to an end, it’s easy to focus on what you didn’t get the chance to do, but try not to. Instead, look back on what you did achieve. Every shift you turned up for, every patient you helped, and every time you asked a question contributed to your progress.
Small wins matter. Whether it was helping someone wash, recording a set of observations, or taking part in a handover, these are the real building blocks of nursing. They’re worth recognising, even if they felt minor at the time.
It’s a good idea to write your reflections soon after your final shift while the experience is still fresh. You’ll remember more detail, and it’ll be more meaningful when it comes to your assessments or future applications.
Think about what went well, what challenged you, and what you’d like to work on in your next placement. You don’t need to have it all figured out – every placement builds on the last, and progress looks different for everyone.
Your first nursing placement is the starting point, not the finish line. You’ll be surprised at how much you’ve learned, even if it doesn’t feel that way straight away. Keep showing up, stay curious, and trust that confidence will come with time.
