I remember sitting in the university cafe talking to the cafe staff before my interview. Leah, one of baristas, was so lovely; she said to me: ‘Good luck, I hope you get a place on the course.’ I was so nervous. The interview went well. There were group interviews and then one-to-ones with each of the candidates.
Northumbria University uses values-based recruitment and focuses on adult nursing questions, contemporary issues, and values in nursing, such as the 6 Cs—care, compassion, competence, communication, courage, commitment (NHS England, 2014)—and the 4 Ps—prioritising people, practising effectively, preserving safety and promoting professionalism and trust (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2018).
I started the BSc (Hons) in nursing science (adult) at the university in September 2019. I remember freshers' week vividly because the cohort of 550 students (all fields of nursing), were brought into a big lecture hall to be introduced to the teaching teams. I remember feeling overwhelmed and I may have not returned had it not been for my personal tutor (PT).
As a new student, the first thing that struck me was that I was a mature student at the age of 40. I was surrounded by younger people, who were mostly school leavers. I was initially worried that I might not have many people to relate to. However, I soon realised that I was in an amazing group of 30 students. I also recognised that having a dedicated PT was fundamental because I received support, guidance and specialist knowledge about the nursing course and have felt supported and protected ever since.
It can be daunting entering a large group; however, forming friends was very easy. My main friendship circle is a mixture of different personalities and backgrounds— and all ages. I tend not to isolate myself in a group and I'm comfortable between my PT group and working with other students in other PT groups.
Becoming class rep has been interesting. There was an anonymous vote and my friend Alex and I were selected. We have both found the role interesting because you get to become more involved with the group as a whole and as individuals, and you are a problem solver between the academic staff and the student group. You are invited to staff and student committees and used to develop and enhance the course in a variety of ways.
Daunting transition
I remember attending my first lectures. It was initially overwhelming because the university is huge. The transition from college to university was daunting because of my lack of awareness of my own expectations. I felt insignificant among the many students, because our cohort was so big.
‘Dealing with patients who were acutely unwell made me realise that the theory I had I learnt and all the sacrifices I had made had all been worth it’
We have a total of 7500 students on our Coach Lane Campus. The lecture hall is vast, and the key topics have been broken down into seminars, workshops and practicals. I soon realised that all the material interlinked to give you the best learning experience.
I remember our assessment for the clinical objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), my initial feelings about learning new clinical skills, such as how to take a manual blood pressure and perform vital signs.
We also did practicals, and doing an OSCE was very rewarding. The manikins were so lifelike and great to practise with. We had use of the clinical skills rooms seven days a week. In addition, the ‘skills for practice’ website was fantastic, with step-by-step guides for all the clinical procedures.
I also remember the day we were fitted for our uniforms. I got to meet so many new people who were all buzzing about becoming a student nurse. Some people had been waiting years for this opportunity.
My first placement was on an acute ward at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust. Dealing with patients who were acutely unwell made me realise that the theory I had I learnt and all the sacrifices I had made had all been worth it. It was my first taste of looking after people and I loved it!
My cohort are now in year 1 semester 2. We are on the front line caring for patients amid the COVID-19 virus pandemic. I look forward to sharing our experiences of year 1 semester 2 with you in my next column.