Marianthi — Bachelor of Nursing
Why did you choose to study nursing?
I had wanted to study nursing since I was young. I’ve always been passionate about helping people — even taking up part-time work in a pharmacy for several years. I find it interesting to learn about different illnesses and diseases and learning how to treat them or manage them. I love dealing with people, I love helping and I love learning. I considered midwifery while I was in high school but chose to enter nursing for a more general perspective.
What was the best thing about your course?
The clinical placements were the best part, as they exposed me to different people, different illnesses and diseases in different clinical settings. I was exposed to so many different avenues of nursing, which gave me a chance to experience a bit of everything and to see what interested me. Another great part was everything I learnt, and it’s the best feeling to be able to practise your skills once you’re out of uni.
What was the worst thing about your course?
The amount of time I spent at uni, probably! Taking public transport meant that it took me more than an hour to get to class and I was there most days of the week. Doing this, along with part-time work, meant that I never had much free time.
What did your course involve?
In addition to lectures, we had tutorials and labs for each subject during the week. As nursing is such a practical field, clinical placements were a huge part of the course.
Have you found work in your field?
I am currently working as an aged care nurse, which involves managing a 42-bed facility, including staff. As part of my job, I administer medications and deal with other elements of patient care, as well as liaising with doctors about the residents’ needs.
What advice would you give to students considering studying nursing?
My advice would be to look at all the different options to see which course provides the most support for students, which uni has good relationships with hospitals (and a good reputation in the field) and which uni provides the most clinical experience.
Will you complete further study?
I haven’t yet but it’s definitely something I would consider — perhaps in midwifery so that I have the dual qualification.
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