Nursing notes: a Student’s Journey at the University of Northampton

More than a Career Choice

I’m thrilled to take you on this journey through my experiences as a Children and Young People’s Student Nurse at the University of Northampton. Nursing has always been more than a career choice for me – it’s a passion rooted in a deep-seated desire to make a difference to children, young people, and their families’ lives during their most vulnerable moments. With my background as a Pharmacy Dispenser, I already possessed a broad knowledge of various medications and extensive experience advising people in the community how they can manage a range of minor illnesses. However, it was in nursing that I truly found my calling, and I was eager to embrace the challenges and rewards that came with it.

Clinical experiences

Stepping into my first clinical placement as a Student Nurse was scary. I’d only ever been inside a hospital to visit a relative and now I was expected to help care for and support unwell patients. This was when I felt the weight of responsibility that came with wearing my uniform. Thankfully there were always plenty of people around to support me, including my Practice Supervisor, Academic Assessor, and the University Support in Practice Team, who provided invaluable guidance and encouragement. As I began to navigate the unfamiliar territory of the hospital ward, I found solace in shadowing and learning the routine before immersing myself in hands-on patient care.

This initial experience marked the beginning of a transformative journey through various placements, each offering its own set of challenges, lessons, and moments of profound connection. From the bustling Paediatric Emergency Department to the quiet Health Visiting Hub, the diversity of placements exposed me to different aspects of nursing practice and patient care. While some placements resonated with me more deeply than others, each one contributed to my growth and the nurse I aspire to become.

Academic learning

My journey at UON has encompassed not only invaluable hands-on clinical experience, but also the essential acquisition of theoretical knowledge that serves as the bedrock of nursing practice. Through a combination of engaging lectures, interactive seminars, and dedicated independent study, I immersed myself in a diverse array of subjects, ranging from anatomy and physiology to pathophysiology and evidence-based practice.

Integral to my academic learning has been the opportunity to seamlessly integrate theory with practice, as classroom teachings intersected with real-world scenarios encountered during placements. Witnessing concepts learned in the classroom manifest in tangible ways within patient care settings reinforces their significance and relevance, grounding my understanding in practical application.

The structured modules of my course provided ample space for critical thinking and introspection, fostering an environment where I could challenge established norms and explore innovative approaches to patient care. These opportunities not only enriched my understanding of nursing practice but also facilitated personal growth by encouraging self-reflection on my contributions to care and identifying areas for further development.

Course highlight

I’ve been privileged to encounter numerous highlights and achieve significant milestones on my nursing journey, all of which have contributed to my personal and professional growth as a nurse. But one stands out vividly: my placement on the Neonatal Unit (NNU).

During my time on the NNU, I discovered a profound appreciation and sense of pride in caring for premature babies and their families. It was an honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of supporting these fragile lives, from their earliest moments on the unit to the joyous milestone of their discharge.

The placement resonated deeply with me, igniting a passion for neonatal care that has since guided my career path. Inspired by my experience, I’m driven to pursue a career as a Neonatal Nurse, where I can continue to make a meaningful difference to the lives of these vulnerable patients and their families.

My journey

As I reflect on my journey at UON, I’m filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. From the initial apprehension of stepping into my first clinical placement, to the profound sense of fulfilment from working on the NNU, each moment has been a steppingstone towards my goal of making a difference to the lives of others.

The combination of hands-on clinical experience, rigorous academic learning, and unforgettable placements has equipped me with the essential knowledge and skills needed for nursing practice and has instilled a deep sense of compassion, empathy and dedication to the wellbeing of my patients.

I’m excited to embark on the next chapter of my journey, driven by the passion and commitment that’s been ignited within me during my time at UON. With a heart full of compassion and a mind filled with knowledge, I’m ready to embrace the challenges and rewards that lie ahead, knowing that I’m well-prepared to make a difference in the lives of those I’ll have the privilege of caring for.

Charlotte Hazell

Charlotte is in the third year of the University of Northampton’s Children and Young People’s Nursing BSc (Hons) degree course.