People make a difference

I am now on my fourth course placement and I can confidently say that people make a difference. By this I mean the people you have at home, those you study with and those who teach you both inside university and on placement.

When I was applying for nursing courses and doing my interviews, one of the big questions that always confused me was ‘do you have a support network?’ I couldn't understand why this was so important. Now, coming to the end of my second year, and seeing the light of the third year, I truly understand.

Family and friends outside of your course are vital. There are multiple times I've called my mum or partner because I have needed them to keep me going when I have been saying, ‘I can't do this’ and ‘I'm going to fail’. Then I've heard that familiar voice on the end of the phone saying they are proud of you and they know this is just the wobbles and to keep going because you can do it.