BACKGROUND: The impact of the first-year clinical placement on the mental health and wellbeing of nursing students remains under-researched, with limited information on how well students are initially prepared for clinical placement both mentally and emotionally, specifically child field student nurses (CFSN). AIM: Understand the psychological preparedness of CFSNs for their first-year clinical placements. METHOD: Using a phenomenological approach, this study aims to understand the experiences of CFSNs in the context of their psychological preparedness for their first-year clinical placements. FINDINGS: Psychological preparedness concerning clinical placement is not a singular concept, but comprises feeling both practically and emotionally ready for the opportunities, challenges and overall experiences that clinical areas offer. CONCLUSION: Higher education institutions need to better prepare and protect the psychological wellbeing of CFSNs in their first year. This can be achieved through an enhanced curriculum and developing simulated practice sessions that better reflect the clinical environment.