I decided to study
nursing because I wanted a job that would be flexible and interesting. I
work in the neurosurgery unit where I care for between three to eight
patients a day with acute and chronic conditions.
Clinical placements are obviously an essential part of the nursing
degree. I chose to do almost all of my placements in public hospitals.
By working and studying in the public system you learn a lot about the
public health of the whole population and about how to get by with
scarce resources.
During my second year at uni one of my lecturers organised a three-week
clinical placement for several students in Sarawak, Malaysia. It was an
unforgettable experience – from working in a very large international
public hospital to participating in community health assessments out in
the jungle. Definitely a clinical placement with a difference!
Studying nursing is about understanding the 'nursing process'. It's
about developing a system of learning that enables you to find out what
you don't know – and how to change that – in order to function in
whatever area you choose to work in.
Being a nurse can be difficult, but it’s never boring and it’s always
rewarding. If making a positive difference in other people's lives is
what you want to do then nursing may be a career for you.
Robert Bidstrup
Registered Nurse, Royal Adelaide Hospital
Student, Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)
Graduate, Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-registration), 2002
Winner, Chancellor's Merit Award, 2002
For further information about UniSA programs contact the Program Information Centre, email admissions@unisa.edu.au or check out Study at UniSA.
