Achieving educational and professional success

Making a positive impact

Originally from Nepal, Sunita studied her diploma and qualified as a nurse in her home country. She is now working at a hospital in the UK. She says, “When I came to the UK, I was a student working as a Health Care Assistant in a gynaecology ward. Back in Nepal I was a General Nurse and I had never thought about gynaecology nursing. I was young and I had never gone through or thought about the complications some women face during pregnancy.

“I have now worked in the same unit for nearly 6 years and I am a Band 7 Clinical Nurse Specialist. I see so many women going through huge changes in their lives. It makes me emotional and I want to do whatever I can to support them. I like to nurse my patients, looking after them emotionally, listening to them and being compassionate about their situations. I offer support and I hope that I make a positive impact on their lives.”

Her inspiration

Sunita was inspired to become a nurse when she was very young. She explains, “When I was little, I remember being admitted to the hospital once. The nurse that was looking after me was so good and caring in the way that she treated me and I really remember that.

“I used to look after my grandparents as well when I was younger. My family always said that nursing would suit me as I was always very kind, caring and compassionate and this encouraged me to do a nursing course. I think that it’s good that I always knew what I wanted to do. I enjoy my job, I love meeting and treating so many different people every day.”

Online learning experience

Sunita had previously completed her diploma on campus in Nepal and did not have any experience of online learning. She says, “It was a good and very different experience as it was my first online course. Initially, I was scared and nervous, however the instructions were helpful and tutors were good at explaining and responding to emails. The group of people on my course were really helpful too, we even set up a group chat to talk and discuss the modules.”

At times, Sunita is first to admit that she has found it a challenge. She explains, “I work 4 days a week and the other days are dedicated to studying and other commitments. The main reason for choosing this course was it was accessible for me and suited my timetable. 

“The course has developed my knowledge and my critical analysis skills have improved. I now have the theory to back up the job that I do and in meetings I contribute as I feel more confident. I would like to keep developing myself and utilising all the knowledge and learning in my day-to-day practice.”

Progressing onto her masters

Looking to her next steps Sunita knew that she wanted to go onto do a masters degree. She says, “If I wanted to progress further and go onto a masters course, I would need to firstly have a degree. By studying the Nursing Studies (Top-Up) BSc, this course has definitely helped me to move forward and this is the platform for me to go to the next step and study for a masters.” 

Now after completing her first course she has enrolled onto our Integrative Health and Social Care MSc. She says, “I work full-time and I have two small children at home, so online learning is great for me. I already have the enrolment letter to start my next course. My goal is to work hard and achieve the educational and professional success. I would also like to progress my career by gaining a leadership and management role in a gynaecology setting in the future.”