Your perspective as a student can change nursing for the better

In a guest editorial for Nursing Standard’s student special issue, Zoe Butler says that despite many challenges, today’s students share the privilege of being part of a compassionate profession

The challenges faced by today’s nursing students reflect the demands placed on the nursing profession. The theoretical principles of care and anatomy that we learn at university are put into practice on clinical placements, where we also develop an understanding of our role in healthcare teams.

But it is the privilege of being part of a caring and compassionate profession that makes nursing so worthwhile. We see people at their most vulnerable during difficult times, and celebrate with them during their most memorable moments.

Striving for the best

As my time as a nursing student comes to a close and I start my journey as a registered nurse, I have been reflecting on how my course has helped me develop personally and professionally.

Although it has not come without challenges, this has been a time of great progress for me. As well as clinical and theoretical skills, I have acquired the confidence and determination to strive to always deliver the best possible care to my patients.

As a nursing student you are in the unique position of viewing care through fresh eyes. Your perspective and understanding are what can change nursing for the better.

In this week’s special issue of Nursing Standard, you will find the advice and tools you need to make the best of the student experience and overcome obstacles and difficult times, and voices championing students as nursing’s leaders of the future, who will deliver evidence-based practice as competent, confident and caring practitioners.

Read more

• Jane Cummings: students are the future of our fabulous profession
• A difficult choice proved the right one for newly qualified mental health nurse

Zoe Butler won the Andrew Parker Student Nurse Award at the 2017 RCNi Nurse Awards 
@MissZoeB95