I began my nursing journey after working for The Starlight Children’s Foundation as a group facilitator. My role was to lift the spirits of hospitalised youth and I enjoyed this so much that I wanted a career where I could transform the hospital experience for more people at a higher level.
I have 2-8 hours of classes per day. Each class is specialised and you learn a different way to save lives every day. The nursing campus is small and about a 20 minute walk to main campus so you get to know your peers and the academic staff.
I was surprised at how fast paced the learning is and how much content there is to cover. I am most surprised that I have been able to keep up with it all.
I like the interactive classes, especially simulation labs. At first it can be awkward and stressful trying to keep a dummy alive… but it's best to test your skills out on sim-man first!
I would tell students to believe in themselves. I wasn’t academic in high school and nobody expected that I would go on to university and study nursing, but I’m thriving as a mature age student. I would also tell new students to participate in class discussions because you will be surprised how much it helps you learn.