7 Community placements

When on placement in a community setting, the key thing to do with your mentor is to plan ahead.

  • Families have a right to know who is entering their home – seek consent from the client and family prior to the visit so that you can attend also.
  • Consider this when meetings are coming up in the dairy – contact the chair or lead before the meeting and they can discuss with the family or tell you any issues before you arrive for the meeting so your time can be used effectively.
  • This is the responsibility of you and your mentor.

Some students may be concerned by community placement as they feel that they will become ‘de-skilled’ from what they see as ‘clinical practice skills’. However, whilst you may not feel as ‘hands on’ as in the ward environment, you will have the opportunity to practise different skills in assessment, care planning and liaison with many other agencies/services. You will need to adapt your communication skills to the needs of the child and family. There will be days when your mentor may be focused on maintaining records, etc., and this is an opportunity for you to undertake outreach activities where you can gain a broader insight into care/services offered in that geographical location for children and families.

Remember that children and young people have many different needs and present in a variety of care settings. Increasingly care needs are and will be met in the home and community. Therefore, community placements are central to your journey in becoming a children’s nurse.