Nursing students may face challenges during clinical placements, ranging from a lack of learning opportunities or support to bullying or being used as ‘an extra pair of hands’ by staff in pressured healthcare services. What are the warning signs of a difficult or poor placement experience – and how should students address them? The RCN emphasises that students should voice concerns promptly with their practice assessor or tutor. We offer essential tips for nursing students on how to handle placement concerns and resolve issues effectively.