Turner Home is dedicated to nurturing the future healthcare workforce by partnering with nearby universities to provide enriching educational opportunities for students interested in health and social care professions. This special program allows students to gain a thorough insight into the daily duties and challenges within this sector.
Experience a typical day in the life of a student nurse at Turner Home with us.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what motivated you to pursue a career in nursing?
My name is Alice, and I am currently studying adult nursing at Edgehill University I am in 3rd year and currently completing my management placement at Turner Home.
I decided to pursue a career in nursing when I turned 23 as I have been a carer in nursing homes and hospices since I was 17 years old. I enjoy the care of the elderly and want to specialise in the care of the elderly and mentally infirm. I feel very proud that I have had the opportunity to care for some amazing people. I decided to further my career in this area and apply to study Adult Nursing.
Can you describe a typical day as a student nurse in the care home?
The great thing about a typical day in a nursing home is that no day is the same. Each resident is very different and has their own routine and personality and you really need to adapt yourself to those you’re caring for.
At Turner Home, there is a huge variety of men all with different backgrounds, beliefs and needs and a huge part of your day is working with the men to make sure all their needs are met, and they are happy and comfortable.
What are your main responsibilities and duties throughout the day?
During the first couple of weeks at the Turner Home it is very valuable to spend time working with the carers on the floor and getting to know the men in your care. Some of these responsibilities include personal care and hygiene, assisting with diet and fluids, social activities, and emotional support.
Once I got to know the men well enough, I began to learn the roles and responsibilities from the nurse’s perspective. Some examples are, preparing and administering medications, taking, and giving handover, clinical skills such as catheter care or wound care and completing essential paperwork.
How do you balance your time between caring for residents and learning new skills?
I found making a learning plan with your assigned nurse to be beneficial. Dividing your time strategically between spending time on the floor with carers and time with your assigned nurse will be very helpful. Staff are also excellent at ensuring you take full advantage of any learning opportunities.
What kind of support and supervision do you receive from nurses on duty?
I have found the support from the nurses on duty at Turner Home excellent. The staff all come from different nursing backgrounds so the variety of support and information available is excellent.
The nurses at Turner Home are incredibly kind and welcoming. They are always there for you to share any concerns and are approachable.
Can you share any specific challenges you face in your day-to-day activities?
I would say the main challenge coming into Turner Home is that if you do not already work in a mental health service it could be quite overwhelming at times. The environment can be noisy and busy at times with a lot going on. However, over time this is something you become used to once you have settled in.
What aspects of your role do you find most rewarding and fulfilling?
I enjoy spending time with the residents as they all have fantastic personalities and some great experiences to share. I have really enjoyed building a positive professional relationship with them all and it has really helped me to develop my skills surrounding mental health management. I look forward to attending placement as I find working with the residents very rewarding.
How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals or support staff in the care home?
Turner Home is the first nursing home I have attended which has a very strong relationship with the local community and services. They use one collective pharmacy and GP practice for all residents meaning you have a good relationship with the staff that work for these services.
The GP completes a ward round every Wednesday which students have the opportunity to take part in. An MDT meeting once a week is also completed on a Wednesday meaning that students can get to know other people's roles and a greater understanding of everybody's responsibilities.
Can you describe a memorable experience or interaction with a resident that has impacted you?
There have been many memorable moments in my placement so far. Both big and small. It has been an honour to care for all of the residents at Turner Home. Listening to the stories of their lives and what they have achieved prior to arriving here has been really special and building strong bonds and friendships with the men in my care has been great. Many of the men now recognise and see me as part of the team and greet me each morning which has been lovely.
What key lessons have you learned during your time as a student nurse in the care home?
The main lesson I have learned is that I definitely want to continue my career in this direction and work in a nursing home setting.
I have also learned how important it is to be person-centred and to adapt to your environment. And that although your day may not always go as planned to treat each curveball and a learning experience really will benefit you in the future.
We are thankful for the dedication and commitment shown by our student nurses, as well as the guidance provided by our experienced staff members. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare and ensuring the well-being of our community for generations to come.
