Preparing For My First Nursing Role And Finding My Specialism

"I knew I wanted to graduate into oncology, but the Trust where I attended placement did not have a cancer centre and therefore, I would qualify with no real experience in this area."

Third year student nurse, Luisa, shares her difficulties finding suitable placement experience in her chosen nursing specialism and the alternative ways she discovered to prepare herself for her first nursing role.

Deciding On Your Specialism

My name is Luisa Fregapane and I am a third year student nurse at the University of Surrey.

Throughout most of nursing school, I didn’t know where I planned to work. Some of my friends had started the course knowing they wanted to work in A&E or ICU or in the community. Others had an ‘a-ha’ moment on placement. But I didn’t.

That was until we had a guest speaker, a skin cancer specialist nurse, who came into our class to discuss her profession. With her, she had four patients that she had supported through their journey with cancer, all of whom were now in remission and ready to share their story.

Suddenly, it clicked. I realised that my heart belonged in oncology.

It embodied what nursing meant to me: as much an art as it is a science, holistic and personal, but clinical and highly specialised.  

Finding Suitable Placement Experience

I had a problem. I knew I wanted to graduate into oncology, but the Trust where I attended placement did not have a Cancer Centre and therefore, I would qualify with no real experience in this area.

As most placements are randomly allocated, I assume others have been in a similar situation whereby, they didn’t get the opportunity to experience their desired nursing environment. 

I want to share some things I am doing to boost my CV and secure the job of my dreams as a Newly Qualified Nurse.

Organising Your Own Placement - Elective Practice

My University offers ‘elective practice’, whereby we are encouraged to organise our own placement. This offered the opportunity to explore an area of interest.

I had decided on a non-traditional nursing placement, as I wanted to diversify my experience.

Despite not providing conventional, ward-based experience, this placement allowed me to explore my interest in oncology through research, reading and discussion with experts.

I also wanted to feel confident that I would benefit from this time.

I chose to spend time at the research facility working on projects focussed on cancer care. Despite not providing conventional, ward-based experience, this placement allowed me to explore my interest in oncology through research, reading and discussion with experts.

I spent this placement learning about prominent issues, interventions and ideas that existed within the world of oncology nursing.

More importantly, I had a window into the concerns of people living with a diagnosis of cancer and how nursing care can be improved upon, to address these concerns.

If your University offers an Elective Placement, this can be a great time to explore your area of interest, develop your understanding and make connections.

Broadening Knowledge In Study

In my third year, I started to consider topics for my dissertation.

A dissertation is not only proof that you are able to apply yourself academically and use literature, but it can also demonstrate your passion for a certain topic. Therefore, I formulated a question that reflected my interest.

In writing my dissertation, I was able to broaden my knowledge of oncology nursing ahead of life post-registration.

Self-directed Online Learning

Over the last few months, I developed my learning on different online learning platforms via my University. I have attended courses on a variety of topics ranging from psychosocial care, palliative care and cancer treatments.

Completing a nursing degree is very difficult and time-consuming, therefore it can be overwhelming to seek knowledge outside of the curriculum. However, online learning allows you to work through the content at a pace that suits you.

Gain Experience Using The Staff Bank  

There are other things you can do to explore your area of interest before applying for jobs.

Working as a Healthcare Assistant as bank staff is a great way to gain experience and insight into different specialties. I believe this would be especially beneficial for students who are unsure if an area is suited to them.

Working a few shifts as a Care Assistant can give you a feel for the environment, acuity and type of nursing care provided.

You would also get to meet the team and experience the culture, both of which are important considerations when applying for post-registration jobs. 

Using University Resources

My final suggestion is to utilise the resources you have at University.

By this, I don’t just mean the library. Often, lecturers come from a range of nursing backgrounds and specialties and this information can usually be found on the University website. In my experience, lecturers are willing to talk about their specialty and answer your questions.

This is a good way to get insight into what can be expected of this area.  

I hope you have found this article helpful.