
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
- Sort out required documents early (police checks, working with children check, NDIS check, immunisations, and placement workbooks).
- Pack essentials: stethoscope, fob watch, notebook, pens.
- 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.
- Plan your transport and allow extra time for travel.
- Meal prep is a lifesaver on placement – pack enough food and snacks, sometime the hospital café is closed when you least expect it.
Revise
- Review relevant coursework and assessment requirements before placement.
- Research common conditions and care practices for your allocated ward.
- Remember, you must always work under the supervision of a registered nurse or midwife.
- Know your scope and learning objectives/competencies!
- If you are also an EN or RUSON/RUSOM, be clear on the differences between your employment role and student placement scope.
Professionalism
- Wear appropriate attire based on your university and placement policies.
- Shoes must be enclosed, clean, sturdy, and non-slip.
- Follow infection control rules: tie back long hair, keep nails short and natural, bare below the elbow and comply with PPE requirements.
- Be aware of policies on facial or body piercing and tattoos.
- 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
- Always speak clearly, professionally, and respectfully.
- Be mindful of where you discuss patient details (e.g., not in lifts or public areas).
- Dispose of any patient handover sheets in the confidential waste bin.
- If you are unsure – ask!
Your wellbeing matters
- Stay connected with friends, family, and support networks.
- Get to know your fellow students – you are in this together.
- Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria (NMHPV) offers free confidential counselling and support to students—call (03) 9415 7551.
- 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.