First Nursing Placement Survival Guide

Last updated August 2026

Resources / First Nursing Placement Survival Guide

This guide is being written. What to expect in week one, how to prepare, and how to ask for the support you are entitled to as a student.

What this guide will cover

• Before you start: shift patterns, uniform, travel and costs
• Week one: introductions, orientation and your learning objectives
• Working with your practice supervisor and practice assessor
• How to ask questions and raise concerns as a student
• Looking after yourself across a long placement block

In the meantime, our nursing reflection examples guide covers Gibbs, Rolfe and Driscoll in full, with worked examples and confidentiality guidance.

Start using SoliWard to organise reflections, placement evidence and professional development. Create a free account.