1. What is electronic practice assessment document and how do I use it effectively?
What it is:
The ePAD (Electronic Practice Assessment Document) is the official online record for Nursing placements. The eMORA is the official online record for Midwifery placements. It logs your learning objectives, reflections, feedback from practice assessors and supervisors, and clinical competencies. Please refer to ePAD or eMORA guides and resources on course Moodle sites and the Pan London Practice Learning Group website https://plplg.uk/ which provides lots of student resources to help you.
How to use it:
Start filling it in from day one. Don’t wait until the end, many students regret leaving it late. Update it regularly after shifts and keep notes in a separate journal to help remember details.
Why it helps:
A well-maintained ePAD or eMORA makes assessment smoother and shows your progress clearly. It’s also required for passing your placement, think of it as your personal portfolio of growth.
2. I am not a nursing or midwifery student, what about my practice assessment document?
What it is:
Other professions monitor and record your progress in practice using hard copy clinical competency booklets or online documentation submitted via MS Teams or the VLE, Moodle. No matter the type of professional practice you are completing, whether it is in a hospital, clinic, private or volunteer sector, hybrid, digital, or skills, you will need to record your learning objectives, reflections, feedback from supervisors, and professional competencies. Please refer to your own Moodle sites which provides lots of student resources that you can access.
How to use it:
Start filling it in from day one. Don’t wait until the end, many students regret leaving it late. Update it regularly after shifts and keep notes in a separate journal to help remember details.
Why it helps:
A well-maintained practice placement assessment makes assessment smoother and shows your progress clearly. It’s also required for passing your course, think of it as your personal portfolio of growth.
3. How do I deal with a mentor/supervisor/assessor who isn’t supportive?
What’s happening:
Sometimes students feel ignored, given limited autonomy, or unsupported by their mentor.
What to do:
Document your concerns and talk to your link lecturer. You can request mediation. Be professional and clear about how it affects your learning.
Why it helps:
Placements should be a safe space to grow. You're expected to receive supportive supervision.
4. Can I ask to learn something specific on placement?
Yes, and you should!
Let your mentor know what skills or experiences you’d like to gain. Say: “Would I be able to observe this procedure next time?” Showing interest boosts engagement from staff.
Why it helps:
It makes your placement more meaningful and gives you ownership of your learning.
5. What if I make a mistake on placement?
What to do:
If something goes wrong, report it to your supervisor immediately. Be honest about what happened, follow the correct incident procedures, and work with your supervisor to reflect on the situation and identify how to prevent it in future.
Why it helps:
Being open and transparent ensures that service users are protected, allows staff to put appropriate measures in place, and demonstrates responsibility and professionalism.
6. How do I manage shift work and university studies?
What to do:
Use a planner or calendar to organise your time. Prioritise rest and study in short sessions (30–60 minutes) and schedule regular downtime. If your workload feels unmanageable, talk to your supervisor/tutor/link lecturer to discuss possible adjustments rather than trying to manage everything alone.
Why it helps:
This approach helps you develop sustainable habits for future practice and ensures you can maintain your wellbeing while balancing placement, study, and personal commitments.
7. What’s the correct uniform and etiquette on placement?
Refer to the Practice Learning Guidelines, particularly the sections on uniform and appearance, so that you attend your placement feeling confident that you are dressed and presented as expected.
8. What if a patient or staff member is rude or aggressive?
Refer to the Practice Learning Guidelines for how to record what happened to you and how to escalate your concern.
9. What should I do about a difficult or long commute?
What to do:
Plan your route early, look for student travel discounts, and raise issues with the placement team if it affects your attendance or wellbeing.
Why it helps:
Support may be available. Your learning shouldn’t be compromised by travel stress.
10. I’m not getting feedback, what now?
What to do:
Ask directly: “Could I get a bit of feedback on today’s shift?” Be specific if needed. If it continues, let your link lecturer know.
Why it helps:
Feedback helps you grow. Staff may not always remember, but they want to help.
11. Can I switch placements if it’s not working out?
Depends,
If the environment is unsafe, discriminatory, or unsuitable, contact LSBU immediately. They will investigate and work with you and the placement provider staff to manage the remainder of your placement.
Why it helps:
Your safety and learning are a priority, but decisions will be evidence-based.
12. How do I log placement hours properly?
What to do:
Whether you are using a paper time sheet or filling in a Practice hour form on your ePAD/eMORA, make sure you fill it in accurately and get it signed by your supervisor/mentor at the end of each shift. If you are not sure how to fill it in, ask your lecturer. Always backup your records (e.g. take photos of signed pages).
Why it helps:
Your course team check and record all the hours you complete in placement. Keeping an accurate and honest record will show you have done all the hours you need to as part of being able to successfully complete the course. It is against your Directional Statement to claim for hours that you have not completed and can lead to serious professional conduct concerns.
13. What support is there if I have a disability or condition?
What to do:
Register with LSBU’s Disability Support Team to discuss your needs and obtain a Reasonable Adjustments Plan (RAP). It is important that you also disclose relevant information to your Course Leader and placement provider, as they are responsible for arranging and implementing the adjustments.
Why it helps:
Placements must be inclusive, and early disclosure ensures that the right support can be planned in advance. Being open about your needs helps your placement provider put appropriate measures in place so you can learn safely and confidently.
14. What if I experience bullying, racism, or harassment?
What to do:
Report it to your supervisor/mentor/assessor or SU. LSBU has policies to protect you. You can also escalate anonymously if needed. Always refer to the Practice Learning Guidelines for further advice.
Why it helps:
You have the right to learn in a respectful, safe environment.
15. What is reflective practice and why does it matter?
What it is:
Reflective writing helps you think critically about your experiences. Use frameworks like Gibbs to structure your thoughts.
Why it helps:
Reflection deepens learning, prepares you for future scenarios, and is essential for your academic work. There are places in your ePAD, eMORA or practice assessment document where you can record your reflections and these can be a point of conversation and discussion with your supervisor/mentor.
16. Can I fail placement?
Yes, it is possible to fail a placement.
Each course has its own assessment processes, and outcomes depend on where the placement sits within your academic programme. If concerns are identified, your supervisor or academic team should discuss these with you and outline the steps you need to take. You may be given a development plan or additional support, depending on your discipline’s regulations.
Why it helps:
Understanding the process helps you know what to expect and what support is available within your course structure. A placement difficulty does not define your abilities, and many students develop significantly from constructive feedback and guided support, even when the outcome is challenging.
17. What happens if I’m sick during placement?
What to do:
Call your placement and email the university. Keep a log of any missed hours (and for Nursing students, ensure these are documented in your ePAD). Follow the guidance you receive about making up time, and don’t push yourself if you are unwell.
Why it helps:
Clear communication helps your placement area and university plan appropriately, support your wellbeing, and ensure your progress remains on track.
18. I don’t feel confident with clinical skills, what can I do?
What to do:
Ask to shadow or practise with supervision. Repeat key tasks until comfortable. Use simulations or online videos to revise at home.
Why it helps:
Confidence grows through repetition. Start small and ask for help, you’re not alone.
19. What if I feel excluded or ignored?
What to do:
Take initiative, introduce yourself, ask questions, and offer to help. If it persists, speak to your mentor or link lecturer.
Why it helps:
Feeling part of the team is essential. Don’t let silence isolate you, reach out.
20. How do I stay connected to LSBU while on placement?
What to do:
Join your cohort WhatsApp or SU group. Stay in touch with course reps and your link lecturer. Attend online drop-ins if possible. Regularly check your LSBU emails and Moodle sites for important communications
Why it helps:
Being connected helps you stay motivated, share tips, and feel supported by your academic home.
21. What should I do if I feel overwhelmed or anxious about placement?
What’s happening:
Many students experience stress, anxiety, or imposter syndrome, especially in early placements.
What to do:
Reach out to your mentor or link lecturer, practice supervisor/assessor, they can make adjustments or provide support. Use LSBU’s mental health resources and talk to peers or reps. Reflective journaling also helps.
Why it helps:
Mental wellbeing is as essential as clinical competence, and seeking support early can help prevent long-term burnout.