Guest post by Ms Caroline Bonello
Six months ago, I began my journey in nursing as a first year B.Sc (Hons) nursing student, and what a ride it has already been!
Starting nursing school in the middle of a pandemic was not easy, however it did not stop me from enrolling into this course at all! Actually, it empowered me even more to choose nursing as a profession, as this pandemic has really showed the significant role of nurses within the healthcare system.
During these past months, I have learned so much already! Learning about anatomy, physiology, and nursing care from a mixture of labs and online lectures have been so satisfying and knowledgeable.
Starting placements four weeks ago has expanded my learning experience even more...meeting, observing, and assisting patients and healthcare professionals has been so rewarding, and I am so thankful for these experiences.
However, just like everyone else, me and my fellow nursing students have also been facing many challenges due to the current COVID-19 situation; not having physical lectures, facing the barriers of online teaching, not being able to meet my fellow nursing students physically, not being able to take a break and go celebrate with my friends and colleagues, being uncertain about whether labs or placements will take place due to the COVID-19 restrictions, and ultimately feeling afraid and exhausted.
BUT - whatever challenges I face, it will not stop me from continuing my studies in order to graduate at the end of these three years as a NURSE.
I continue facing this situation, and continue my nursing studies, with the support of my family, friends, and with the support of our educators and nonetheless the Department of Nursing and Faculty of Health Sciences themselves!! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU.
To all Nursing Students out there, WELL DONE, KEEP GOING, AND NEVER GIVE UP! WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER!