I study nursing: Carlo Sudario
Why did you choose to study nursing?
I grew up surrounded by nurses and have always wanted a career in a hospital setting, nursing was the obvious choice for me. I enjoy helping people in need and I think the nature of the nursing profession suits me well.
What subjects did you do for your HSC?
- English
- Business studies
- Economics
- Japanese
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
What's your favourite unit of study at the moment?
It would have to be Pharmacology, I am really enjoying this unit and find the combination of science and biology interesting.
What does your typical day at uni look like?
My day usually starts between 9-11am with either a tutorial or a lecture. If I have a tutorial first, I would be up early doing some preparations. Otherwise, I would just head straight to the lecture! I often have lunch with friends between classes.
What surprised you most about this degree?
The variety of things a nurse is expected to be able to do surprised me the most. Registered nurses have a high level of responsibility assuming full care for patients.
How does university compare to high school?
University is very open and I like that I get to choose the structure of my timetable. Having the freedom to study how I like, and not being directed is great. University is much, much bigger than high school and the variety of personalities which you encounter will surprise you.
What are your classmates like?
My classmates are all really nice. A lot of them have previously studied, so they have given me insight into what the university experiences is like. Having a diverse range of classmates has allowed me to expand my social network and made me realise just how big the world really is.
What are your lecturers like?
If you respect your lecturers, they will respect you. They can become your friends, or mentors, and possibly even a colleague in a future clinical setting. The lecturers can sometimes be strict during classroom interactions, but other times they can be goofy and have fun with the class.
What they all have in common, is they won’t tell you what to study. They allow you to take full control of your education.
Are you involved in anything outside the classroom?
I am a committee member at the Sydney University Nursing Society. Occasionally, I am involved in other societies and clubs that hold events. I previously did archery and swimming competitively however, I stopped both in order to fully focus on my studies (that is not to say that you can’t do sport whilst studying). I also take part in a monthly soup kitchen at the Matthew Talbot Hostel.
What are your future career plans?
I hope to study postgraduate nursing in the future. After that, I might try to get into nursing education or become a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Educator or a Consultant. I would also love to traveling the world.
Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about applying for this degree?
If you are a compassionate person, interested in helping others and like meeting new people, then this is the course for you. Once you graduate, there are many career pathways – this is perhaps the greatest thing about nursing, you just never stop learning.