The practice period lasts six weeks, and during spring 2023, 54 Swedish-speaking nursing students will undertake their practice periods at Laakso, Malmi and Suursuo Hospitals.
Module-based practice periods reflect working life
“In the module model, you work as part of a team treating designated patients, which reflects working life. When the students begin working as nurses, they will be planning care independently, based on their patients’ needs”, explains Chief Nursing Officer Anna Holmström.
During the practice period, the students will not be told exactly what they need to do and when to do it, and instead it is considered important for the students themselves to plan their working days.
“Reflection and discussion are important parts of the practice period, and designated nurses supervise the students. The students work in teams of six students, which allows for more practice period positions with less supervision”, states Anna.
“The best part about the module is that you are freer than if you were just one student by yourself. You have to work together with the other students to plan what you’re going to do during your shift, and in what order. While the module-based practice period offers the chance for more independent work, this can also be a challenge in some situations”, explains student Caroline Skogberg at Laakso Hospital.
Students support one another
“The morning starts with a handover from the night shift. After that, we work together to plan out the day and see who has physiotherapy and occupational therapy, for example, as well as helping patients wash themselves. The work can, at times, be physically demanding,” explains student Kia Sundström at Laakso Hospital.
The students undertaking their practice period are in the first and third years of their studies. If necessary, the third-year students can guide the first-year students.
“The first-year students are so good, they don’t need much guidance at all. But of course I help if they do need it”, states a third-year student at Laakso Hospital.
Opportunities to learn new skills on different wards
The students are each assigned a particular ward, but there is the option to visit other wards based on the students’ interests. Laakso Hospital, for example, has two neurological wards, a wound care ward, and a trauma ward, among others. The students can visit different wards and learn new skills in different areas.
“Having the students with us is so refreshing, they are keen to learn new things and bring so much energy with them!” exclaims Anna.