Clinical placement tips for nursing and midwifery students

Clinical placements help you develop skills, gain real-world nursing and/or midwifery experience and make professional connections.

Here’s our tips on how to make the most of this vital experience.

Prepare

1. Sort out required documents early (police checks, working with children check, NDIS check, immunisations, and placement workbooks).
2. Pack essentials: stethoscope, fob watch, notebook, pens.
3. Save key contacts on your phone (clinical coordinator/facilitator) and review the student leave of absence policy – know what to do in case of an emergency.
4. Plan your transport and allow extra time for travel.
5. Meal prep is a lifesaver on placement – pack enough food and snacks, sometime the hospital café is closed when you least expect it.

Revise

1. Review relevant coursework and assessment requirements before placement.
2. Research common conditions and care practices for your allocated ward.
3. Remember, you must always work under the supervision of a registered nurse or midwife.
4. Know your scope and learning objectives/competencies!
5. If you are also an EN or RUSON/RUSOM, be clear on the differences between your employment role and student placement scope.

Professionalism

1. Wear appropriate attire based on your university and placement policies.
2. Shoes must be enclosed, clean, sturdy, and non-slip.
3. Follow infection control rules: tie back long hair, keep nails short and natural, bare below the elbow and comply with PPE requirements.
4. Be aware of policies on facial or body piercing and tattoos.
5. Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality at all times. Review the Nursing and Midwifery Board social media guide and ANMF social media and online networking guidelines before your placement.

Communication

1. Always speak clearly, professionally, and respectfully.
2. Be mindful of where you discuss patient details (e.g., not in lifts or public areas).
3. Dispose of any patient handover sheets in the confidential waste bin.
4. If you are unsure – ask!

Your wellbeing matters

1. Stay connected with friends, family, and support networks.
2. Get to know your  fellow students – you are in this together.
3. Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria (NMHPV) offers free confidential counselling and support to students—call (03) 9415 7551.
4. If unsure about anything, ask your facilitator or supervising nurse/midwife or reach out to us at the ANMF via the member assistance online form.