Division of Health Sciences
I chose to study this program as I wanted to become a Registered Nurse.
A career in nursing allows for travel and a diverse range career
pathways. Nurses are also in high demand, so nursing offers great job
security.
At UniSA the program design, and load, allowed me to study full time and
work part time. UniSA City East campus is very conveniently located,
with a bus stop just adjacent to the campus.
What I enjoy most about study at UniSA is the flexible learning style of
UniSA. During my course of study, I have been given the option to study
full-time or part-time. There are also options to study internally or
externally. UniSA also runs courses throughout the year, so you can
choose to study a subject over summer to lighten your study load
throughout the year.
I have found throughout my degree that the teaching staff have been
generally friendly and approachable. The UniSA teaching staff are
willing and available to help you if you request it. Most tutors are
very helpful, and are happy to chat to you about any concerns after
class, over the phone or through email.
Studying at UniSA has given me the opportunity to meet, interact, and
become friends, with people from many different backgrounds. UniSA does
not just have school leavers studying nursing, but parents and
grandparents, international students and enrolled nurses advancing their
career – just to name a few. UniSA is a social learning environment,
allowing development not just from text books, but shared life
experience.
I found the online facilities provided much assistance to my learning
throughout my study. Online discussion boards, maintained by UniSA, are
a fantastic way to communicate with peers between classes, about
assignments and exam preparation.
During the first year of my degree, I had 3 weeks of work experience at
a high care nursing home facility located in the northern suburbs. That
placement gave me an opportunity to understand and develop my skills to
assist clients with activities of daily living. I also was able to see
the role of a Registered Nurse in an aged care setting, as a leader and
manager.
During the second year of my degree I had a placement in peri-operative
intensive care ward. Before this clinical placement I never released the
possible complexity of patient care. I was able to assist a Registered
Nurse in one-on-one patient care. I was allowed to watch open-heart
surgery. I never thought that during my university study I would be able
to experience such a sight! This placement allowed me to understand the
role of a Registered Nurse in an intensive care setting, and what a
career as a theatre nurse might be like.
The hands-on experience you have when on placement is invaluable. UniSA
prepares you for the clinical environment, through lab sessions – but
there in nothing like learning the art of nursing care with real
patients in an actual hospital ward.
Also, my experience gained from clinical placements completed through my
degree enabled me to gain a position as a Pre-Registration Nurses
Assistant. This job as a PNA allows me to add to my clinical experience
while I complete my degree.
When I complete my degree I hope to do a GNP (Graduate Nurse Program). A
GNP allows for newly registered nurses to work in 2 or 3 different areas
of a hospital, allowing for a great range of experience before choosing
a field to work/specialise in.
Nursing is a unique career that encompasses the latest technology and
scientific advancement, as well as the human element of caring and
personal connection. I chose this area of study because I wanted to be
challenged, intellectually and emotionally, to become a better person
and a better practitioner. To be a leader in the field of nursing, I
believe you must have a strong knowledge base, accompanied with
accomplished communication and clinical skills.
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