Child nurse Richard, secured a placement opportunity in the Emergency Department (ED) in his final year. Find out what to expect alongside some essential tips.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
As a final-year Children's Nursing student, I’ve been lucky enough to secure a placement opportunity in the Emergency Department (ED). It’s one of the most fast-paced and dynamic environments in healthcare, and every day presents new learning opportunities. From treating minor injuries to responding to acute cases, the variety of situations we encounter keeps me on me busy throughout the day.
In ED, I’m getting hands-on experience in managing patient care independently, which involves making critical decisions like referrals, administering medications, and ensuring smooth handovers between shifts. It’s all about quick thinking, prioritising care, and working closely with a multidisciplinary team. This placement has really tested my ability to stay calm and focused under pressure, which is essential in any emergency setting.
When you first start your placement in ED, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the pace and volume of patients. But don't worry, you’ll quickly adapt. Everyday is different, and you’ll deal with a wide range of cases, from routine injuries to high-acuity conditions. Be prepared for the unexpected. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop a strong skill set in areas like triage, assessments, and handling deteriorating patients. This is a great time to improve your critical thinking, clinical judgement, teamwork and leadership skills.
You’ll often need to balance the needs of anxious families while providing the best possible care for the children, therefore good communication and empathy are key. The ED can be challenging because of the high-stress situations, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you see the difference you make in those critical moments.
This placement in ED has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my training so far. I’ve learned how to handle complex situations, work under pressure, and provide care for children in moments of crisis. It’s also taught me the importance of teamwork - no one can do it alone in ED, and I’ve been fortunate to work with an incredibly supportive group of professionals.
For anyone starting their journey in ED, be prepared to learn and grow every single day. It’s not easy, but the experience you gain will be invaluable for your nursing career. Stay positive, keep asking questions, and make the most of every learning opportunity!
My name is Richard Braich and I am studying Child Nursing at the University of Birmingham.
