'Maybe, we students don't actually know enough'

So there I was reading some of the questions students were asking Professor Roger Watson (University of Sheffield) this week during the Student Nursing Times webchat.

And one student asked whether it was normal for us to feel like we don’t know enough.

This is quite a hot topic after the whole ‘misrepresentation’ of the RCN Chief Executive speaking about the competency levels of newly qualified nurses. 

So maybe, we students don’t actually know enough.

Thinking about how far I have come from my first year - it highlights the void of never-ending information that I have still to learn.

For me, my first year was about recognising and adjusting to all the unfamiliar knowledge and environments (smells too) - while at the same time developing an understanding of my own role and the challenges that come with it.

I spent a lot of time talking with my peers in my first year and sharing experiences. This helped increase my confidence and knowledge of underpinning nursing theory.

Looking back at my portfolio now, I am proud of the nurse I am becoming.

I admit it felt confusing at first, but it quickly resolved itself once I got out into practice and adjusted to the new ways of thinking.

First year is probably the most important year of training; the information I needed to absorb has formed the backbone of year two. It was a huge learning curve, but having looked back at my first ever essay I cringe at what I wrote compared to what I would have written now. Perhaps I’ll be doing the same next year at my work today.

I think the point I am trying to make is I have gained a lot more skills, knowledge, and experience, since writing that essay. I no longer feel like the only thing making me fit in is a uniform, or have fears of being ‘found out’ as not being good enough.

I still have a lot to learn, but I am slowly becoming the nurse I want to be - one placement at a time.

Ryan is a second year student nurse at the University of the West of Scotland.

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