Third-year nursing student Andrew Haydon still gets nervous when starting a new clinical placement. He offers some tips and advice on how to get the most out of your placement and overcome any anxiety you may feel

As a nursing student I am fortunate to experience a variety of clinical placements that enable me to explore a wealth of learning opportunities. I have been lucky with all of them and having fantastic mentors makes it easier to embark on a new placement.

But I have a feeling of dread when I start them. All the theory and practical skills I have learned seem to vanish overnight, and I start doubting my abilities.

The butterflies in my stomach start with the initial phone call. I want to sound confident but not overconfident, as I don’t want to come across as a cocky