Abstract
Objective: To understand the thoughts, feelings, and support needs of student nurses called into practice during a pandemic.
Methods: A descriptive narrative method was used as part of a collaborative approach with student nurses to help them explore their thoughts and feelings about working during the pandemic and also identify resulting support needs.
Results: Student nurses were excited about the opportunity to join the workforce and both develop new skills and use existing competencies. However, there was also nervousness about their readiness for practice and the financial and health implications for themselves and their families.
Conclusion: Students are an important part of the nursing workforce and the pandemic provided unique opportunities to learn key competencies in an unprecedented situation. Recognising the contribution of student nurses will enhance the response to future pandemics and providing clarity for the role of the student in these situations will ensure appropriate support is in place. Consequently, plans for student nurses to join the workforce should be put into place before another pandemic develops.