Any advice from Student Nurses?

hurricanewyn

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice please. After a pretty disastrous interview on Saturday I'm pretty certain that I won't be going to Uni next year. I'm in the end stages of my Access to Nursing at college now and I'm on track to pass with no problems. I've been doing it part-time since September 2008 and working during the day as well.

Now, even though I'm sure I won't be going to Uni this time around, I know the Access is valid for 3 years so I will be re-applying through UCAS again - so what I'm really asking is, what can I do to make myself more attractive to Uni. I currently work full time in an office - without college after June my evenings will be free, as will my weekends. I had hoped to go on the Nursing Bank and do a shift or two every week so that I have got Hospital experience when I'm interviewed again. The only problem is that the bank in this area is currently shut to new people as they have enough people.

I've been looking for Healthcare assistant jobs online (not in depth - just yesterday and today) and they all need 6 months experience. Would a home carer role be as attractive if the branch I'm interested in is Adult Nursing?? I expect if I went in with carer expereince, the first thing they'd ask is why not Mental Health nursing?

Has anyone any experience of being knocked back first time round and then being successful. If so, how did you do it?

Oldernotwiser

I'd look at getting experience of working within the care sector, either in a residential setting or in the community. I wouldn't worry about the Adult/Mental health Nursing situation as many people you'll be working will be elderly rather than mentally ill.

What went wrong at your interview - was it solely your lack of experience?

hurricanewyn

I just went to pieces. There was a lot of waiting around before the interview as it was a selection day and I got myself worked up into a panic. It wasn't a hard interview and the questions they asked were ones that I had expected and practiced, but on the day I froze, my mind went blank and then I was panicking because I couldn't answer. It doesn't sound too bad just written down, but it was a bad interview. I'm so annoyed with myself now though - I've put myself back a year just because of stage fright.

pretzelnut

hurricanewyn wrote: »

I just went to pieces. There was a lot of waiting around before the interview as it was a selection day and I got myself worked up into a panic. It wasn't a hard interview and the questions they asked were ones that I had expected and practiced, but on the day I froze, my mind went blank and then I was panicking because I couldn't answer. It doesn't sound too bad just written down, but it was a bad interview. I'm so annoyed with myself now though - I've put myself back a year just because of stage fright.

Dont beat yourself up, interviewers know all about nerves, they can usually see through then, and see the good in you.

I'd wait till you have a definate yes or no before you resign yourself to waiting another year.

I thought i had well and truly blown my college interview, the interviewer didnt let me get a word in sideways, and when i came out i felt that i hadnt had a chance to get myself across, and how could he say yes or no if he didnt even let me speak, when i did get 2 seconds to say anything, everything came out in such a rush that nothing made sense, imagine my surprie a week later when i was offered an unconditinal place.

hurricanewyn

I hope so - I should hear soon anyway. We need to accept offers by May 6th I think, so should hear before then.

eklynne

Don't count your chickens!
Don't make any decisions until you know for sure you've not made it in this year.
Access courses in their own right are looked upon very favourably. Give yourself a break and just see what happens. Best of luck!

devildog

If you have a bit of time to spare and do not mind not getting paid why don't you apply to do for some voluntary work, either at a hospital or hospice-both would most likely welcome you with open arms. Our local hospital takes volunteers and although you do not get paid you can claim for transport to and from the hospital. My son (17) has just got taken on doing this and although he is still at school they are happy for him to go in at a convenient/agreed time for him

snugglepet20

Don't worry too much about the interview as long as you mentioned something along the lines of 'I like helping people' and seemed nice they will probably give you a place.

TBH they give out masses more places than they need to become nurses because the dropout rate is huge due to the stressful nature of the course etc. The university will tell you hardly anyone drops out but out of 450 that started with me 72 graduated, therefore they are inclined to give you a place and see if you make it! Also there were a lot of people who had no health or care experience that were still given a place so don't despair!

delilahstar

Hey, I'm a Student Nurse in my second year - and I thought that when I had my interview I did pretty badly, but however, 19 months in, still there The interviews what they hold are pretty relaxed and I'm sure you will be taken on. When I had my interview, the guy was mainly talking about him, and was more interested in the photography course that I had done previous. I think the interview was just to see what you were like and what kind of person you are. I had no confidence at all, was nervous as hell but I did it! So will you

Don't worry at all though, the university does take on alot of people (because they get funding to do so!) so more the better. In October '08, my university took on 600 people for my course, only 250 are there to this day. They expect people to drop out.

hurricanewyn

Just a quick update and a thank you for everyone who said such lovely things.

After the advise on here I started to ring around some retirement homes and day care centres to see if I could do some volunteering and contacting agencies to see if I could work as a support worker.

But, I didn't need to........You were all right and I am starting in Uni in March 2011.

So thanks again!!

[Deleted User]

Congratulations!