Meet our new student nurse editors

This year we have a whole flock of new student nurse editors to take the helm of Student Nursing Times.

We have one new student nurse editor for each branch and they’re all eager to share their stories, advice and tips.

Here’s what they have to say about why they love being a student nurse…

Sarah Jones – student nurse editor, adult branch studying at Cardiff University

“The first ward I worked on as a student nurse was intense to say the least! It was an acute medical ward specialising in patients with respiratory problems. And it was terrifying. As a first year student, I was unable to do much to make a dent in their severe conditions. But I was able to comfort. I was able to arrange a social care assessment so an elderly lady could go home to her husband. I was able to offer some small comfort to a gentleman recently diagnosed with lung cancer. I was able to make my patients smile.”

You can follow Sarah on twitter @Sarah_ABN

Michelle Parker –  student nurse editor, learning disability branch studying at the University of York

“As a learning disability student nurse it’s a privilege to work with vulnerable people and the most enjoyment can come from the smallest things. In terms of a job in the future, being a student nurse gives me the opportunity to experience different clinical settings and career options, I feel this really broadens my knowledge and allows me to understand more about my own strengths and weaknesses.”

You can follow Michelle on twitter @LDstudentnurse

Natalie Moore, student nurse editor, mental health branch studying at the University of Surrey

“The thing I enjoy most about being a student nurse is learning something new every day. Sitting in lecture after lecture seems tedious at first but when you go into placement it suddenly all makes sense and you’re able to apply what you’ve learnt to your practice. Interacting with patients and their families provides invaluable knowledge and insight in to their condition. Sometimes all you need to do is sit and talk to somebody and you’ll learn a lot. I think as students we should make the most of these learning opportunities as much as we can.” 

You can follow Natalie on twitter @NatalieMHN

Mikey Whitehead, student nurse editor, child branch studying at the University of Southampton

“The first time I knew I wanted to be a nurse was when I was working as a healthcare assistant on a stroke rehab ward. An elderly patient asked, “Can you pass me that urine bottle?”. I knew I wanted to be a paediatric nurse when a friend’s two year old who has cerebral palsy made eye contact with me. These were two simple occurrences that changed my life forever. I feel these are both good examples as to why I love being a student nurse: I want to help and I want to make a connection. I am privileged to be a student nurse, because the more I learn the more I am able to help people, who could ask for a better job?”

You can follow Mikey on twitter @ChildSNTEditor