What degree/course are you studying? How long have you been studying? Full time/part time?
I’m in my second year of a Bachelor of Nursing, training to be a registered nurse (RN). I attend full time but that works out to only be 2 days a week. All my lectures are online, which is great.
What University/Institution are you studying at and why did you choose them?
I attend the Hawkesbury campus of Western Sydney University. I live 15 minutes away so it makes organising my time around work and uni much easier.
How many years will you study for?
My bachelors degree is 3 years. However, I may work as a RN whilst studying for a graduate diploma in midwifery. Or maybe a masters degree in child and family nursing.What has been your favourite part of the course so far?
I’m really enjoying my Professional Practice Experience units. Each semester, there is a new unit where you learn all the practical skills of being a nurse. Initially things like administering medications though injection or setting up IV lines is daunting, but it’s also exciting to learn.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
I think being self motivated challenged me initially. All of my lectures are online so you have to be really motivated to compete them each week before attending tutorials. However I now enjoy being prepared before classes because it gives me the opportunity to ask questions.
Was the course everything you expected it to be? Were there any surprises?
From what I’ve completed so far, my expectations have been met. I’ve learnt that not all skills are taught at university (such as cannula insertion!), however there are courses that you can take when you have finished, which will also make up the hours you need for continuing professional development.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve covered/learnt so far?
Each semester has been so interesting, but also content loaded. I’ve loved learning about the anatomy of the body, pathophysiology of diseases, human development, I could go on forever!
Do you have a clear career path or job position in mind? Do you think your degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge to pursue this?
I would really like to work with children or families so I’d hope to work in either paediatrics of midwifery, or child and family nursing. I think these fields will be so rewarding, not that anywhere else in the hospital isn’t, but I think my niche will be here. To work in these fields, additional study is needed which can be completed in my fourth year.
Have you or will you complete any work experience?
I’ve completed clinical placements in a nursing home and several hospitals. Each placement has allowed my skills as a student nurse to develop. I am more confident in myself and have enjoyed working with an array of medical staff and developing therapeutic relationships with patients.
Describe a “Day in the life of a nursing student.”
Despite being a full time student with 4 units, I only attend two days a week, which allows me to study and work for the reminder of the week. I currently have all 3 of my theory tutorials on Monday from 9-4 whilst on Tuesday I have my practical class from 8-1 then I go off to work.
It takes me 15 minutes to drive to uni which is a godsend because I get out of bed at 7am whilst the rest of my friends are heading to the train station at this time.
I take my time handwriting notes before class each week. I think it sticks in my brain more this way. It takes me between 2 and 3 hours for each subject. And yes, I’ll admit it, I don’t always complete the readings weekly, but I make sure to have done them before exam period.
This semester, I’ve had one assessment for each unit, weighing between 40-50%. This leaves the remainder for the final exam, which makes it vital to get as high as possible. Yes this puts a lot of pressure on. For me personally, it motivates me to start as early as possible, because I don’t want to have to pray to reach a passing grade.
For my practical unit, there are several assessments throughout semester, including the final OSCA which is a practical exam. This is the only unit where you need to attain 100% in everything otherwise you repeat it the following year. Further, you cannot progress to the next unit because it is a prerequisite.
Every exam time for this subject makes me nervous, but I haven’t failed yet. I think it’s because I practice so many times in the labs as well as reciting everything to myself over and over again.
Any Final Thoughts on Nursing?
I am really enjoying myself in this degree. I hope that I can be the best nurse that I can possibly be. Yes it is a challenging career but I think it is so rewarding to be able to care for someone from the moment they’re born, to the moment they leave this earth. It is a special moment to be able to help others and although nervous, I cannot wait to be out there. If my placements are anything to go by, it’s going to be an exciting/happy/sad career and I’m (almost) ready for it!
