Nursing Students' Testimonial (Undergraduate)

Peter Warburton

Hello everyone out there on the net. Thank you for visiting the University of Wollongong's School of Nursing, Midwifery & Indigenous Health web site. My name is Peter and I have been chosen to talk about why I selected nursing; firstly, as a degree and secondly, why I chose to study at the University of Wollongong.

Choosing nursing as a degree sort of came late to my university career. Back in 1998, I started university, undertaking a BSc (Health Science) degree, which I am so close to finishing! Later, combining the health science with the bachelor of nursing degree. The realisation to participate in the University of Wollongong nursing program came when I was discussing with friends what I wanted to accomplish in my life, and one of these things was to travel the globe. By undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing degree I will be able to travel and work anywhere in the world. I’m sure that if you ask anyone here, this is one of the main reasons they have chosen nursing.

Furthermore, I want a career where there is variety. Once I graduate, my fellow students and I will be able to work in all aspects of nursing care from acute care to aged care. This flexibility means I shall not feel like this is all I have. Nursing provides a great diversity of employment opportunities. Further down the track I may want to specialise in one or more areas. Nursing allows you to achieve this. There is something there for everyone.

Likewise, we will become members of multi-disciplinary teams working along side other health professionals, which I’m sure will improve our knowledge and understanding of events in the healthcare setting.

Now, to answer the second question. I chose to study at Wollongong University because for me it was easy! Since I started here in 1998, I already had knowledge of what the University had to offer. The degree itself is three years in duration. Within these three years there is a lot of knowledge that has to be acquired, which will best prepare us for our time ‘out there’.

That’s why it is good to have department staff that is available to assist with assignments and practical assessment. The clinical practicum provides equal chance to develop skills and to determine whether this degree is for you. Furthermore, within the first year nursing students, we have a diverse range of people from recent school leavers, international and mature age students each bringing with them experiences and knowledge to improve the learning experience.

Considering that, I, like every other student here, found university difficult at the beginning. However, like anything, perseverance pays off, so in two years time if all goes to plan I shall be finished and in some hospital saving up for my plane fare.

NB: Wollongong university is located near the train line benefiting south coast and Sydney people. On the other hand, Wollongong also has an excellent Library, IT center, Sport and Recreation complex and a newly revamped Unibar where music and learning come together!