Study aids

Newly qualified nurse Vanessa Anthony, who recently finished her course at the University of Greenwich and now works as a practice nurse, recommends The Nerdy Nurse on Instagram. ‘There are flashcards, which are really useful for information you need to remember,’ says Ms Anthony.

Starting your first placement

Lenka Huntley, who has just started the third year of a children’s nursing degree at Brighton University, suggests The Student Nurse Handbook: A Survival Guide by Bethann Siviter. Using humour, case studies, and hints and tips, this book helps you to make the most of clinical placements, alongside other key topics such as coping with stress, understanding nursing jargon and creating a portfolio.

Managing medicines

There are two standard texts, advises senior lecturer in adult nursing at the University of South Wales Clare Churcher – the British National Formulary (BNF) and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Professional Guidance on the Administration of Medicines in Healthcare Settings, co-produced with the RCN.

For a simple guide, students appreciate Medicines Management for Nurses at a Glance says Ms Churcher. This provides a general introduction, rather than a detailed discussion.

Her personal go-to is Pathophysiology and Pharmacology in Nursing (Transforming Practice Series), which offers an integrated introduction to the biology of diseases and the therapeutic agents that are used to manage them.

Ethical considerations

For those seeking a straightforward and short overview of ethical theory, associate professor and reader in law and ethics at London South Bank University Louise Terry recommends Ethical Theory by Mel Thompson.

For an international perspective on current ethical issues, Dr Terry suggests The Nursing Ethics blog, managed by two professors at Ryerson University in Canada.

Anatomy and physiology

Ms Huntley suggests exploring the range of free videos from The Khan Academy, many of which are recommended by her lecturers. ‘It’s useful for anyone studying biology,’ she says.

For a more light-hearted way to learn, Ms Anthony recommends the Nurse’s Anatomy and Physiology Colouring Book. The authors say it’s the perfect antidote to hours of dense reading, while colouring is a proven learning technique.

Networking

Twitter is a great tool for connecting with others and sharing best practice, says newly qualified nurse Natalie Elliott, who recently retired as team lead for @WeStudentNurses, following the completion of her degree at Glasgow Caledonian University. With more than 19,000 followers, WeStudentNurses is a peer support network, which hosts regular tweet chats, including monthly self-care.

Final-year adult nursing student at Dundee University Brian Webster recommends The Student Nurse Project, an online supportive community where students and newly qualified nurses can discuss current nursing issues with their peers and more experienced staff from around the globe.

Money matters

The government’s step-by-step guide to undergraduate student finance should be your first port of call, says Ms Anthony.

The Complete University Guide’s Budgeting webpage is also full of helpful tips and advice, including how to save money, what your essential costs are likely to be and creating a working budget.

Mr Webster also recommends the websites Student Beans and UNiDAYS, which list a wide variety of discounts on food and drink, clothes, technology and phones, among others.

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