I'm a first year nursing student and also on meds for depression. For me I made the prospective unis aware I suffer mental health problems and brought it up in each of the interviews as well as on application forms. I pretty much so far have said my full history to at least 6 different people and more yet to come. One of the things uni requested was that I see a psychiatrist as if my mental health declined it would prove that I was already taking all the nessacery steps.
For me we get a 4 week summer and 2 for christmas and easter. Placement is extremely demanding not just emotionally but physically as Kim said most shifts start at 7am and finish between 8.30 and 10pm. Thats a pretty long day plus travelling time at either end means a long day keeps me out of the house between 06.15 and 21.30. Also you are dealing with people at their most vulnerable which is no walk in the park.
Getting a job as a healthcare assistant is a good idea as it really prepares you for working with ill people and you'll soon know if nursing is really the career for you.
Altogether is is a lot of fun but trying to juggle life with the demands of placement and studying/writing essays can take its toll. Please don't think we are trying to put you off.
Sorry if none of that makes sense, I've been to placement today and my brain is all overwhelmed and not working
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