Division of Health Sciences
I
have always found great satisfaction in helping, supporting and caring
for others and always had a keen interest in biology and physiology.
Therefore, nursing was the ideal career choice as it enables me to study
something that I am not only interested in but passionate about,
ensuring that day in, day out, I will know that I have a career in which
I am truly making a difference.
I had friends who had previously completed their nursing degree through
UniSA and told me it was the place to be. It is also the best campus
location to where I live and has a great reputation.
UniSA has a basis of self-initiated learning which enables each
individual to not only develop pivotal study skills but also acquire
relevant attributes for their future careers such as self-motivation and
critical thinking / analysis.
UniSA’s teaching staff provide a supportive and non-bias learning
environment for all students. They are professionals in their field whom
not only thoroughly understand their courses but have an undoubtable
passion for them which, if not already shared, is often contagious
amongst the students.
The highlights, so far, of my time at UniSA have been the hands on
experience, relationships with whom will be my future colleagues and
skills attained through both professional placement and practicals in
the nursing labs. It has truly brought to life my future in nursing.
I have had two work placements, one at Meals on Wheels and the other at
a Rehab Hospital. Both provided the opportunity to gain completely
different nursing skills. From practical requirements such as ADL
completion and Obs. Recording, to relationship development with patients
and lifestyle / character understanding.
Practical placement provides the opportunity to learn from real-life
cases and patients. In the nursing field, we are responsible for the
health and wellbeing of other individuals, which if not taken seriously,
can have devastating consequences. Therefore, practical experience is
not just a valuable means of reiterating theoretical data but rather,
essential in Evidence Based Learning.
When I finish this program I plan on completing further study in order
to also become a qualified midwife. One of the highly beneficial aspects
of completing a Nursing degree is the numerous paths that one can choose
to take upon completion; further study in a field such as midwifery or
honours etc, travelling overseas, the opportunities are endless.
This area of study is important to me as anyone who has ever been in
hospital themselves or known or lost someone to an illness appreciates
what it is to have a loving, caring and empathetic nurse. Situations
vary, as do the status of patients, however, the nurses are present
through the highs, lows and the completely unimaginable moments, making
their position unique and one of privilege, which truly makes a
difference in other’s lives. I cannot think of a career that I would
find more satisfying or emotionally rewarding.
In order to be a leading nurse it takes a loving, caring, compassionate
and empathetic, yet headstrong and composed person in order to manage
the difficult situations they will be faced with. It is also a necessity
that a studying nurse understands it is a position of lifelong learning,
where there will always be someone who knows more. After all, it is a
profession in which you are not just “dealing” with people; you are
caring for them, their future, and their lives.
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