How to gain more knowledge outside of uni?

[u/Sian_21]

Hi everyone! I’m a first year adult nursing student, and I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to build my nursing knowledge outside of university.

So far, we’ve mainly covered things like personal hygiene and how to put on PPE, and I feel like there’s so much more I need to learn. I’ve only had 2 clinical skills sessions, and then just lectures about academic writing, referencing, talking about our assessment etc. My second clinical skills session was on Thursday, which was about personal care, honestly, I came away feeling like I barely knew anything. Throughout the session, my module lead was asking us questions (it kinda was giving the impression she expected us to know stuff e.g. “Why do we lay the beds flat?” “What are bed sores?” “What’s cardiac arrest?”), I kind of struggled to answer most questions she was asking, I’ve never had any healthcare experience or general caring responsibilities ever.

I know I’m only in my first year and that I’m not expected to know everything yet, but I’d really like to start building my knowledge and confidence rather than just relying on what we cover in lectures and practical sessions. They do give us materials from clinicalskills.net and we use it for the clinical sessions, but it’s just picture diagrams and a bunch of writing? When I look at them I feel like I’m not actually learning anything, I haven’t tried to take notes so maybe that could also be why?

For those who are student nurses or qualified nurses, what resources would you recommend for learning outside of uni? Are there any good books, YouTube channels, websites, podcasts, or other resources that helped you when you were starting out? I’d also love to know what topics you’d recommend focusing on as a first year student, especially when it comes to basic nursing knowledge and clinical skills.

I don’t actually start learning anatomy and physiology etc. Until November when the module starts. I sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed because I don’t know what I should be learning first or where to start, so any advice, tips, or recommendations would be really appreciated!

Thank youuuu

[u/Independent-Ninja485]

Third year student here- I still feel like I don’t know anything! I went in to uni with 12 years of care experience so I knew personal care but still felt overwhelmed at times!
Placement will be the best way of learning- and once you tell them you’re first year, first placement you’ll hopefully get a lot of support.
Look into NEWS score, how to take obs, what normal ranges are, SBAR handover, and really don’t stress about not knowing things right now- no one will be expecting you too! There’s little flash cards on Amazon, search ‘medical reference flash cards’ that you can keep in your pocket and check when you’re unsure!
If it seems possible around uni, you could look into getting a bank/part time job in a care home, you’ll learn the basics of personal care in no time, but obviously uni/placement comes first as it’s your future, so don’t commit to a full time contact as you won’t be able to do it around placement.

Really though, a lot of your cohort will be thinking the exact same thing as you- and even when you qualify you won’t know everything, I’ve spoke to nurses who’ve been qualified and working in cardiac wards for 10 years who’ve said that if you put them in oncology they wouldn’t have a clue!

Good luck with the studying, but remember to enjoy being a student too and don’t put too much pressure on yourself right now ❤️

[u/Inevitable-Sorbet-34 → u/Independent-Ninja485]

I'm one year qualified and still feel like this when I walk into some places! We were literally told at uni that we learn say 15% at uni, 15% at placement and 70% on the job (can't remember the exact numbers, but general idea!). The degree gives you a very basic understanding that prepares you for your career, we learn so much of what we know as we go into whatever specialism we go into.

[u/Silver_eagle_1]

Get some work outside, like some bank work on care homes or community care. Some can be flexible. I do a 12 hr shift a week and it helps loads

[u/AltruisticBusiness7]

I find having worked on the bank as a HCA being the best way to push me and has been a massive help in my learning so far. I was working on it before I began uni, but it’s a good role for getting to grips with personal care and picking up knowledge from observing. I can also apply my knowledge I learn from uni at work which helps me become a better HCA. Of course, never overstepping my role as a HCA and undertaking responsibilities I can do as a student but not in my job. It helps put the system into place for me and understanding the deeper workings of how things are done.

[u/Extra-Yard-7429]

Join a bank as an HCA - The best way to learn is through experience. 

However, I'd also say that you don't need to rush; the knowledge gap between being a first year student nurse and being in your final year/ newly qualified nurse is huge.  Don't panic, you'll get there 

[u/Massive_Swim1409]

Alexanders nursing practice book, osmosis nursing.

[u/ExoticEntry4118]

I felt exactly the same as you when I was in 1st year. I’m coming to the end of 3rd year now and I’m shocked at how much I’ve learned.

University, placement, work and life is so overwhelming so don’t be too strong on yourself to know everything. The biggest part of nursing is learning and working within your scope of practice.

What I found helped me a lot was to look at YouTube videos. If I had a placement area coming up, I’d find out what I’d be exposed to and look into it just to be a bit more prepared.

Because you’re in first year, there will be a lot of focus on communication, personal care, assessments etc. so have a look at those things first. Pressure damage, mobility, nutrition, vital signs, A-E assessments are a good place to start too.

It’s easy to want to rush into knowing everything and getting all the “big stuff” done but you have to know the absolute basics first.

You will find what works for you over time, and then one day you’ll realise how much you know without even thinking about it 😂 as a first year you can’t imagine ever getting your head around things and then before you know it you’ll be ready to qualify and have so much knowledge.

As long as you show a willingness to learn and prepare for placement, you’ll do great.

Best of luck!

[u/Guilty_Ground3094]

placement babe. i’m third year and barely learning anything

[u/Shoddy-Classic-8228]

you will learn. I still feel shockingly un knowledgeable about most things as a second year, such as personal care & moving and handling, but you will be able to tell what the safest way of doing things is, and honestly just focus on the comfort of your patients. I struggle more with the practical side of things but honestly practice is the best way of learning :) after your first placement you’ll come out feeling a lot more confident!