Due to graduate soon, Thomas told us that he chose to study at the University of Greenwich as he grew up in South East London and wanted to remain a part of the community. “I was aware of the high level of support received at Greenwich as noted by previous students that I know. In addition to this, when conducting the interview, I felt tested and thought it would be a good institution to learn at.” Thomas revealed.
Thomas told us that his experience so far has been positive. “I think there are plentiful lectures and lecturers that go above and beyond.” He told us “Furthermore, when on placement we have Student Practice Development Nurses who support us whilst on placement and help us deal with any issues we have.” Thomas added “This role is pivotal in supporting students at the university and luckily my PDN is brilliant, just having someone that will be in your corner and support you after difficult shifts.”
The third-year student says that he has enjoyed being part of the university and that he has immersed himself in student life. He became President of the Badminton Society, took up a new sport in the form of American football and is teaching first and second year nurses at the university. For example, assisting with the teaching of medication rounds, taking manual blood pressure, communication and proper documentation of observations. “Course wise, I have enjoyed learning about the anatomy and pathophysiology and am particularly interested in EOL care. I have also enjoyed my placements in the specialist areas such as intensive care and theatres” Thomas added.
Thomas goes on to say that he got into nursing as he believes it is not a job, but a vocation and that he wants to make a real impact. He already has two jobs lined up for when he graduates, one in A&E at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the other in intensive care at Imperial College. Thomas aims to do two years in these specialist areas and then sign up to an NGO and carry out some humanitarian work. “Since beginning nursing, I have grown and developed as a person and feel like I have a real passion for life now” Thomas said.
When we asked Thomas about his lecturers, he told us that despite the last year being very different due to the pandemic, he feels that everyone is easily reached and the support is there if you want or need it. “I have particularly enjoyed my Pathophysiology lecturer, Terry Ferns, not only was it the topic he was teaching us but the way he was able to apply his experience to aid with our learning.” Thomas added that he is pleased with the level of expertise and the passion that the lecturers have for teaching new registrants. He believes that they directly impact the quality of care provided by the next generation of nurses.
Thomas particularly enjoyed his placements as he believes that this is where you truly learn what it takes to be a great nurse. He explained that students get assigned to a variety of areas with different specialities and different goals.
“Learning differs across the three years and is impossible to truly sum up in one paragraph. However initially you learn the basics of nursing, how to wash people, how to feed people and most importantly how to communicate. Second year you step up a little more, learning medications, helping with drug rounds, applying your pathophysioly knowledge to the patient, learning understanding why they are on this unit and what specifically we are doing for the patient that is going to make them better. In the second year I also had my first last rights. Where you learn how to care for a patient once they are dead. In the third year, you continue to build on your knowledge and begin to take charge of six to seven patients and act as nurse in charge, here you learn how and when to escalate acutely unwell patients.”
When asked about his peers, Thomas states that he has made many friends, both on his course and on other courses. “There is quite an age range on the adult nursing course, with ages from 18 to 50, but it has been nice meeting people from completely different walks of life.”
Finally, we asked Thomas if he would recommend the course. “If you have the characteristics for it, yes.” Thomas answered. “Nursing is most certainly not for everyone, but if you want to help others and have a passion for it. You will certainly make a top nurse!”
We thank Thomas for sharing his story with us and wish him all the best for the future!
