‘I’ve learned compassion must be balanced with professional boundaries’

The journey from student to registered nurse has been quite an experience, but one thing that has not changed is that there is always something new to learn.

“The journey from student to registered nurse is one of continuous growth”

During my student placement, I could practice some basic nursing procedures, such as medication administration, risk assessment and patient care, which have all contributed to building my confidence as a registered nurse.

Now, in my qualified role, I understand how these skills are applied, whether it is in managing medication rounds on my own, handling cases of patients who attempt to harm themselves, or promoting patient safety.

It is not only the change of roles from student to nurse but also the change of confidence, competence and responsibility.

I find myself still glancing around to look for another nurse to approve what I am doing, especially when I am doing my medication rounds, only to find out that I am the nurse now. The pressure is on, but so is the backing. Learning never ceases and I improve myself every day.

The most important things I have learned are competence and responsibility. Whether dressing up the wounds after an episode of self-harm, monitoring patient’s observations, or facilitating debriefing sessions for both the staff and the patients, I understand that my role is very important in creating a safe environment.

These responsibilities reinforce why organisational skills, teamwork and communication are essential. I’ve also realised how crucial it is to advocate for patients while also upholding professional accountability.

As a student, I saw how senior nurses made critical decisions. Now that I am making those decisions, I have to ensure they are clinically sound, ethically justified and in the best interest of my patients.

Having the confidence to question practices, escalate concerns and ensure that care is delivered to the highest standard is something I am still learning. Still, it’s an integral part of my growth as a professional.

Empathy is at the heart of my practice as a mental health nurse. I often think about how I would feel if I were a patient receiving care from a nurse who lacked compassion. It reminds me that kindness, courage and effective communication are just as important as clinical skills.

However, I’ve learned that compassion must be balanced with professional boundaries. Early in my training, I sometimes felt emotionally drained when faced with patients in distress.

Still, I’ve understood that being a good nurse means knowing when to step back and protect your well-being while providing high-quality care.

I believe many newly qualified nurses struggle with this. We enter the profession wanting to help, but we must also recognise the limits of what we can do.

While technical skills are essential, soft skills such as clear communication, teamwork and adaptability shape an effective mental health nurse.

I honed these skills during my student placements and they continue to serve me in my everyday practice. I prioritise ensuring my communications are clear, my team is well-informed and my patients feel heard every shift.

One challenge I faced early on was learning how to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. As a student, I observed these interactions.

Still, I am expected to contribute to clinical discussions, advocate for my patients and communicate clearly with psychiatrists, social workers and other healthcare professionals.

“Have faith in the skills you have developed, seek guidance when you need it, and always remember why you chose this profession”

This has reinforced the importance of assertiveness, professional confidence and clarity in communication skills, which I know will continue to develop with experience.

The journey from student to registered nurse is one of continuous growth. While the added responsibility can sometimes feel overwhelming, it is also incredibly rewarding.

Thus, I will grow as a professional and person by continuing my education, asking for help when necessary, and remaining loyal to the values that inspired me to become a nurse.

This is because competence and accountability are the key factors in this transition. It is not just about performing the tasks but also to the best of one’s ability, with confidence, precision and the patient’s safety in mind.

To any student nurse preparing to make this transition, my advice is to have faith in the skills you have developed, seek guidance when you need it, and always remember why you chose this profession in the first place.

Kimmy Dunne is mental health nurse, Elysium Healthcare