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.
