I’m delighted that one of my lovely readers, and most loyal of supporters, is joining me on release day of Welcome to the Cornish Country Hospital, to tell us all about a day in the life of a student nurse, in beautiful Cornwall – Jo Bartlett
Over to you Tegan!
Hi everyone, I’m Tegan, a twenty-two year old student nurse living in Mullion, Cornwall.
What made me want to become a nurse?
My little brother was born when I was 12, I was so fascinated by my mum’s pregnancy and besotted when my brother was born. I knew from that moment that I wanted to be a midwife.
Fast forward to 2019, I got a job as a carer in a residential home for the elderly and absolutely loved the job. I’d dropped out of 6th form and studied a level 2 course in Health and Social Care, but this wasn’t enough to get me into uni so I started an access to midwifery course in 2020.
In March 2022 I received a conditional offer from Plymouth University to study midwifery! I was very excited. Sadly this was withdrawn, as I was one grade short on the entry requirements, but I was offered a place on the Adult Nursing degree based in Truro, through Plymouth University, and I started in September 2022. Also, in memory of my beautiful Aunty, who was a nurse, but sadly passed away in the October as I started my training, I dedicate my training to her, she’s my inspiration.
What does a typical day in placement look like?
5am wake up call, bit of breakfast and a coffee, shower and get ready to leave at 6am to be at the hospital for a 7am start.
Handover is given to us, patients are checked, medication is given and patients helped to wash and dress. Quick break at about 10am and back to it to take patient observations,.
Lunch is given to patients and the meds round is done again, and then time for my lunch.
After lunch, notes are written up, observations are taken, some patients are discharged, beds made ready for new admissions to the ward.
Call bells answered, patients comfortable and happy. Tea time at 5pm, meds rounds done, patients helped get settled for bed, and handover given to night staff at 7pm ready to go home at 7:30pm.
What do you wish you’d known about being a nurse before starting training?
How exhausting it is, managing my time between placements, assignments and social life. Also how little money I have, so having to work alongside the degree. I have a job in a nursing home and a local pub as a waitress.
Favourite placement so far and why? Will this be an area you’ll specialise in?
My first ever placement with the local district nurses, it was absolutely fantastic having the privilege to support and provide care to patients in their own home! The team were absolutely amazing and inspiring, I felt so welcome from day one. It is definitely what I want to do when I qualify, I just love being out and about, not being in one place all the time.
Best and most difficult part of the job?
Best part, making people happy and helping them get better. Meeting a variety of people and making a difference to their lives.
Most difficult part, seeing really poorly people, especially younger people with cancer, this hits close to home after losing my aunty to cancer one month into my training.
What do you do in your spare time?
I am a HUGE bookworm, and read a lot of books. I play rugby so attend training when I can.
I also love spending time with my family and boyfriend, this makes me happy.
What would you tell someone who wants to become a nurse?
Be prepared for long shifts which are physically and mentally exhausting, due to being given a lot of information. Also get used to having no money, make the most of having money.
Best thing about living and working in Cornwall?
It’s a beautiful part of the country, I was born here and I will die here. Cornwall is my home, and where my heart is always.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, Tegan, and giving us a fascinating insight into your life as a student nurse. It’s clear you’re working incredibly hard, especially with your additional part-time jobs, and hearing your responses has been truly inspirational – Jo Bartlett