Why Student Nurses Can ‘Bank’ on more experience with the NHS

Student nursing is one of the most challenging but rewarding career paths you can take. However, it can also be a huge financial burden and many student’s nurses find themselves looking for extra work to help out.

It can be complicated to find something that fits in alongside working a placement and completing assignments. That’s why working as a nursing assistant through the staff bank can be a great opportunity.

So why, when you’re already working hard on your course, would you choose to take shifts as a healthcare assistant on the staff bank? Aside from the obvious financial help there are a number of other benefits to choosing this role.

1. Experience in a clinical setting. If you have never worked in a healthcare environment, this is a great opportunity for you to gain experience of this. Whilst voluntary work for charities such as St Johns Ambulance can be a rewarding, so can gaining real relevant experience within the NHS. Improve your knowledge of best practise and how different departments work.
2. Work with experienced nurses and learn from them. As well as working with a variety of other healthcare professionals, working flexible shifts through the staff bank will allow you to gain knowledge, tips and tricks from experienced nurses.
3. Earn whilst you learn. Many student nurses look to work alongside their training. Why not ensure that your work relates to your future career opportunities? If you choose to work with a Bank Partners staff bank you will have access to free uniform, support, weekly pay and competitive rates.
4. Flexible to your needs. Most staff banks have no limited number of shifts you need to work so you can choose to take them when it suits you. This means if you have assignments due, classes, or plans with friends, you may choose to not work those days to allow for this. It truly is a career that is flexible to you.
5. Work with your local NHS Trust. Working within your local NHS Trust will help you to gain experience of the Trust methodology and ethos. This will really help when you are applying for roles once qualified. Especially if you are looking to apply within the same Trust.

Are you a student nurse interested in joining your local staff bank whilst you are training? Get in touch with your local staff bank to find out if they have availability for this here.