“When I decided to start my career in the healthcare sector, I wanted to be able to get the best training and knowledge enabling me to be a well-rounded registered nurse.” Varsha explained. “So, for me, choosing the right university where I could accomplish this dream was very vital. The University of Greenwich was recommended to me by a family member who completed their degree with flying colours, and also while I was doing my research the university came up on the high-ranking list among all the universities in London for the course I wanted to do. And now when I look back, I can say it was the best decision I made coming to the University of Greenwich.”
When we asked Varsha about her experience so far, she said “I cannot express how happy and grateful I am for the best experience I have had so far at both at the university and during placement in different areas of the hospital setting.” Varsha went on to say that throughout her time at the university, she has gained a lot of knowledge which has contributed to her growth and development. “I also had the opportunity to be involved in different roles apart from my student role.” Varsha revealed “I have been the cohort-rep where I supported my peers at the university and also in practice.”
Varsha has also been appointed as an RCN ambassador and a Capital Nurse Student Ambassador and feels that these roles have contributed towards the development of her leadership skills. “Throughout my time at Greenwich, I have enjoyed various modules that have been taught as part of the programme” Varsha explained. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the Anatomy module during each year, especially pathophysiology” Varsha said that she also enjoyed the researched evidence-based module and her dissertation module.
Once qualified, Varsha is hoping to start her career as a Band 5 nurse. “My goals are to eventually complete my Master’s either in oncology leading me into becoming a specialist oncology nurse or into critical care.”
We asked Varsha about the quality of teaching. “Since my first year I have had amazing lecturers supporting me.” Varsha told us. “If I had any question when I could not understand any specific modules, they were always on hand on to ensure I understood the topics. They have always motivated and inspired me.” Varsha went on to tell us that during the pandemic, she opted in at the first surge to support the workforce in her trust and at that time when she needed help to discuss any issues, the lecturers were always available to listen and advise her.
During the second surge, Varsha was already placed in ITU department of her trust. “At that time, it was very bad, to the extent where numerous patients were dying of Covid despite trying to save them with ventilation machines.” Varsha told us “The hardest part was working in full PPE for 12 hours or more sometimes. Undoubtfully, this placement had an adverse effect on me due to the high number of deaths that I was seeing on a daily basis, but despite that I made myself and the university proud by being able to complete that placement and by making a difference to those people I was looking after.”
Varsha also received excellent feedback from her mentors. “I had a few amazing lecturers that supported and listened to me for hours when I was really affected by the whole experience. They have been amazing to that point where they continuously reminded me of my worth and how amazing I am and how I should keep going. The past year has taught me a lot and has reminded me that I took the right decision by coming to Greenwich.”
When we asked Varsha about the placements that she attended, she explained that they were very varied. In her first year, she worked in a dementia ward where she learnt a lot about different communication skills and how to give personal and individualised care. She also had placement in areas such as endoscopy and surgical which she also enjoyed thoroughly as she learnt new skills. In her second year, she had a placement in theatre where she had the opportunity to assist with a complex surgery. Varsha also assisted with a total abdominal hysterectomy and delivery of twin babies through C-section. In her final year, Varsha had experience in acute areas such as A&E and ITU and she says that has been the learning curve of her journey into the nursing profession.
We asked Varsha about the social side of the course and she explained that since starting her journey as a student nurse, she has met some ‘amazing’ human beings who have a passion like herself to make a difference in someone’s life. Varsha went on to say “I am hoping that our friendships will last forever, even after graduation where we might part ways in our future roles. Especially during this past year, it has been amazing how we supported each other and managed to get where we are today.”
So, would Varsha recommend the BSc Adult Nursing course? “I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who has a real passion for nursing and is willing to commit their life into making a difference to other people’s life. There is no other rewarding and satisfying career as this profession.” Varsha told us.
Finally, we asked Varsha if she had anything else that she wanted to tell us. “I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to my all my lecturers I came across during these three years at the university for their amazing work in training me to be the best future nurse.”
We thank Varsha for sharing her story and wish her the best of luck for the future!
