Charina:

I’ve heard so many times that nursing is not for the faint-hearted and I truly believe that. Now on to my last year of training this September, the challenges will be more difficult. Nothing can really prepare you as a student, as each student journey is different. Taking each day at a time is important as there is no ‘same day’ in nursing.

My best experience has been my clinical placement in an Intensive Care Unit, and it was by far the most challenging and daunting. Looking after patients requiring Level 3 care can be scary. It was nerve-racking at first as I was not used to seeing patients with different tubes and lines attached to them and alarms ringing all the time, but once I found my feet I started looking forward to my next shift. This experience enhanced my observational skills and improved my non-verbal communication skills in patient care.

I was faced with numerous challenges in the second year of nursing training. There were times that I even doubted myself, if I was cut out for this course, and each time I pulled myself up and reminded myself why I chose this profession. Balancing my studies, work and family life was not easy. Having the support of your family and friends is important to survive this journey. There was little-to-no social life at times because assignments and case presentations hindered me from having one. I just constantly reminded myself that after one more big push I’d be near the finish line. Although all these assessments took up most of my time, it didn’t stop me from joining extracurricular activities. I managed to co-chair a student empowerment group for Pre-Registration Nursing in Chester and joined students as recruiters for the wider university.

Having friends in university helps because you are all in the same boat. You understand each other's situation and you can blow off some steam. I am lucky to have such good friends on this course because we push each other and we make sure that we are there to lend a helping hand. It also makes the journey more enjoyable.

Studying nursing is not all about challenges but also how to manage them. Trust me, it helped me become a better person and a better student. My advice for the incoming first year students is to enjoy every minute of it because it goes quickly. Make some friends because they will be your lifeline on this course. Have a good relationship with your personal academic tutor (PAT), this is your ‘go to' person when you face any difficulties. They are there to listen and help you. You are not on your own.

 I know that I am to face more difficult challenges in the year ahead, but at the same time I am excited because I know this additional learning will help me become a better nurse. I know in the end the sacrifices will all be worth it.