Nursing student Edwina answers five questions on nursing.
By Edwina Phan, UTS Bachelor of Nursing student
1. What made you want to become a nurse?
I grew up having a huge passion for health and science as throughout schooling, I always loved learning about anything in relation to the human body. I wanted a career that was challenging, exciting yet rewarding, as well a career where I can help others because I always knew I had an empathetic nurturing side in ensuring other people are feeling healthy and positive with their lives.
Nursing was clearly the best option for me, and it’s amazing to learn how rewarding the career is and how many endless opportunities are on offer!
2. How did you research your current degree?
I researched heaps! Knowing that I wanted to pursue nursing, I made myself research a lot on a bunch of university websites, trying to seek out the opportunities they offer, the scholarships, as well as the subjects and placement options!
UTS definitely stood out for me because the sites were really easy to read and there is so much content they put up – for example, virtual tours, blogs etc. I ensured I went to open days, collected their handbooks, attended workshops and spoke to many as many ambassadors as I could. Also, my careers advisor in high school helped me heaps!
3. How did you find the transition to uni? Did you go to orientation or use any support services?
I was super keen to go to university because I never really enjoyed high school life. Luckily for me I had many friends that decided pursue nursing with me, so I wasn’t alone! Once I got into UTS I decided to familiarise myself with the campus from Orientation days as well as the Club’s Day. I wanted to feel a part of the university holistically.
After finding my way around things, after the first week everything was a lot easier, I used many support services that assisted me with assessments (known as UPASS) and always asked my friends or tutors for help when needed!
4. What’s the best thing about nursing at UTS?
Definitely the amazing state of the art facilities of our simulation labs in building 10, level 6! It’s a whole level based of modern clinical simulation rooms that depict a real hospital setting which prepares you for future nursing careers, and high-tech manikins that can do things that all humans can do, e.g. vomit, cough, bleed. Other than that, there are also many seats and computers that students can use to study and do assessments.
5. What advice would you give to students considering studying nursing at UTS?
My advice for future students is to cherish every moment of it! 3 years will fly by so quickly. It is definitely going to be a huge rollercoaster. Definitely take it one step at a time, don’t be so hard on yourself and try your best to learn as much as you can. Alongside this, find time to have a social life, meet new friends, and also find time to pursue other interests. Do not leave assessments till last minute, prioritise, seek help if needed, and definitely step out of your comfort zone to learn new skills during clinical placements.