Stand on the table using sword to protect nurse (7)
I believe the answer is:
epergne
'stand on the table' is the definition.
'epergne' can be an answer for 'stand' (I've seen this before). I am not certain of the 'on the table' bit.
'sword to protect nurse' is the wordplay.
'sword' becomes 'epee' (epee is a kind of sword).
'to protect' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'nurse' becomes 'rgn' (abbreviation for Registered General Nurse).
'epee' placed around 'rgn' is 'EPERGNE'.
'using' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for epergne that I've seen before include "ornament on board" , "Branched flower-holder" , "Stand on table" , "Large centrepiece" , "Table ornament with small bowls on branched supports" .)