Vanessa Anthony is a 2nd year Nursing student and Royal College of Nurses Student Committee member for the London region. In addition, she's a student and STAART ambassador and General Practice Nursing Student Nurse Network (GPNSNN) ambassador, a national role. The RCN Committee are currently presenting a series of webinars of different themes to support healthcare students during the pandemic.
Like many students studying health-related subjects, Vanessa was given the opportunity to move into frontline service more quickly than planned as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
She began her placement at Darenth Valley Hospital in Dartford recently where she will be doing 30 hours of work and 1 day's study each week.
Vanessa said: "It's been a rollercoaster ride. In the middle of March I was on my last official placement and due back in university on the Monday."Over the weekend I had the message about the move to virtual campuses, which was a shock.
"As students, we so look forward to coming back to university after placements - catching up and comparing notes. Then we had the official lockdown and the announcement from the Nursing and Midwifery Council about students going back onto placement. A lot was happening in a short space of time.
"I felt anxious – the world had turned upside down. My invitation to be deployed came through and I had 24 – 36 hours to make a decision and had lots to consider."There were risks for me and my family but also learning opportunities in the current situation that may not come again and I just couldn't see myself at home. The career path I have chosen is to be a nurse.
"So I spoke to my family. I did have doubts. I'm from a BAME background and the Covid-19 stats for BAME community are high.
"But I am lucky to have lots of networks and I spoke to everyone about it."I came to the conclusion that if you are sensible and take precautions, it is ok. You can always approach your mentors if you feel unsafe.
"My programme lead has been fantastic – keeping us updated and ensuring we're all ok.
"Helping someone to sit up in bed, supporting doctors in a medical emergency – it's great to make a contribution."
Vanessa is currently on placement for the next 2 – 3 months.