The 12 May is International Nurses’ Day, which fittingly also falls on Florence Nightingale’s birthday. To celebrate this day, we have asked Jacinta, a BCU second year BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing student to answer some questions on why she loves her course and is passionate about her profession.
My name is Jacinta and I am drawing near to the end of my second year of Adult Nursing! I was born in the far north of China near Mongolia and Russia, moved to England at 13 months and have lived here for the rest of my life! Suffice to say, unfortunately, I can’t speak Chinese! (It makes me laugh when many people think my English accent is so good!!)
Why did you choose nursing?
I do feel this is quite a tricky question to answer as I feel it has something that comes from the heart, cheesy as it sounds! But if I had to say, it would be because I want to be part of making a real positive difference in someone’s life. People thought I would have a much better career reading languages or art, both of which I was very strong in. However, I am a very practical person who loves to have a challenge and nursing just seemed to suit me I thought!
What does it mean for you to be a nurse?
As a nurse, you become a part of countless people’s lives, whether it is from the start of life or at the end. It is the most honourable thing to be part of because you are there by that person’s side especially when at their most vulnerable, from cleaning up vomit and changing bedsheets, to telling someone the good news that they are getting better, or in the most extreme heart-breaking cases, being part of team trying to bring a patient back to life but not succeeding. This is what it means to be a nurse for me.
What do you enjoy most about nursing?
As I mentioned, I am a very practical person and whilst I don’t mind documenting all day, I love being there with the patient, whether it’s just a little chat about how they are, or whether it’s washing someone’s hair or giving a cannulation. I love just being part of the patients’ journeys and seeing for myself the difference nursing can make!
What would you say nursing has taught you?
Gosh, if I were to look back on my very first year, I would see so much improvement! It has given me for sure so much more confidence in myself. For example, at the start, I felt it very daunting to do something I wasn’t sure about or hadn’t attempted before. However now, whilst I can be a little apprehensive, I just take a jump and try new things every day! And the beauty of nursing is that you will never ever run out of new things to learn, even as an experienced nurse, no matter what they tell you!
Is nursing for everyone?
Nursing, in my opinion, is not always for everyone, same as teaching or singing isn’t for everyone. Of course, everyone has the ability to care, have compassion etc. But it takes a lot in character and personality to become a nurse and certainly strength to be in such a holistically demanding career.
What advice would you give to those interested in a career in nursing?
Really think honestly to yourself why you want to be a nurse and would you be willing to work hard in it. Then expose yourself as much as you can to any kinds of work that involves you being with people, particularly in a health care setting. And one of my biggest pieces of advice is to ASK, ASK and KEEP ON ASKING!! There is NEVER a stupid question and most people love to give you an answer!
Where would you like to see yourself in the future?
The beauty of nursing is that even now, there is an ever growing number of so many pathways within nursing! You can choose whatever you enjoy most and at the same time, build up a CV of expertise! I personally would love to specialise eventually and become really knowledgeable in that chosen area! I also would very much love to get a degree in midwifery as well! There’s just so many choices!
Anything in nursing that you don’t like so much?
I have to confess that I am not at all a fan of getting up at the crack of dawn – i.e. I am not a morning person, but neither am I good at night shifts either! However, that hasn’t deterred me yet!!
What makes you most proud about being a nurse?
Being part of such a spectacular workforce throughout the world and being able to make a difference in everyone and anyone’s lives!
Interested in studying for a career in Nursing?
Learn more about our four fields of nursing - adult, child, learning disability and mental health, and our MSci dual awards.
