Jul 17, 2016, 12:25 am
I saw this post when I was researching studying at the UOM 2 years ago. Thought I would provide an honest reflection for any students considering this course in the future.
Studying the Masters of Nursing Science at The university of Melbourne was the best decision of my life.
In 2014 I was on the cusp of completing my bachelors of science, I had little idea on what I was truly passionate about, and was generally fearful of not finding a career that I would love. I choose the Masters degree on a whim (I attended all available information sessions and read up extensively on the degree). I decided to switch from Science to Nursing as I saw it as a trusted and respected role in society and a great career for having a good work life balance, especially for when I decide to have a family. I was happy enough with the decision, and gave myself the option of withdrawing only if I found it unbearable after completing the first placement. This basic understanding of nursing and where it could actually take you was completely transformed over the 2 years in this course.
My best advise for those unsure of where they want to specialise is to read biographies, written both from nurses, doctors and patients. Through these narratives you get a feeling for where you would love to start a career. Also you begin to understand what people need from their nurses when they are going through their illnesses or treatment.
When I started my course there was the option of doing a self paced online bridging science course over the summer holiday using the approved textbook for nursing science 1. Although I had a degree in Science, my major was biochemistry and molecular biology. A little removed from the whole person perspective. So I completed this course over summer so that I would feel comfortable with physiology and anatomy. At least pre reading the textbook is a major help when it comes to transitioning to the course. I'm glad I read it prior to semester 1, because the rest of semester 1 was spent getting my head around what it actually meant to be a nurse + getting in all of the paperwork/ immunisations done so that I was ready for placement.
It was only 6 weeks of study before we were released into acute settings- 6 weeks to learn normal human physiology and basic nursing skills + effective communication + a unit on Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders and their unique place in the health care system. Oh and some really challenging assignments (Start early)!! It was very challenging, but the challenge is very important. As nursing students, we must realise that every bit we study now is what makes an impact later when we are on the floor dealing with real human lives.
My first placement was in Paediatrics. Needless to say I fell in love with the nursing profession! Finding what I loved early really helped motivate me through the hard aspects of the course. Speaking of placement the options available for UOM students are absolutely first class. What I hear from hospitals is that the UOM students are known for their maturity, knowledge and evidence based practice. If you make it though the course, the skills you learn set you as a great candidate for a Graduate nurse year.
Second semester was challenging. Nursing Science 2 (don't underestimate it!) was difficult. You upgrade from normal to the abnormal and start learning about disease pathophysiology and the drugs needed in treatment. Concurrently you learn about medical surgical nursing and upgrade your nursing skills. You also delve into the wonderful world of research, starting your submission for your group research project. Don't underestimate the importance of this research task. Having a good understanding of research from the original idea, to developing a project and producing results is a journey that will assist you in future practice. You will learn how to conduct a study- something invaluable for those who want to change aspects of future nursing practice, also it gives you a deeper understanding of how to read research and determine the validity of studies based on methodology and results. Again this semester is 6-7 weeks of class and 3 weeks of acute placement.
Summer semester: Originally I dreaded the idea of having to go to class in the first week of January, when the temperatures were in the high 30's, and loosing the time for needed holiday employment. It didn't sound fun to me... But mental health was actually fantastically taught. We had 3 weeks to get through a semesters worth of content. On those hot afternoons you could either go home or you had the option of staying for optional classes where we had group discussions on topics of nursing ethics, or group discussions after watching some challenging movies based on mental health conditions we were learning about. The summer semester was immersive and students were supported through the more challenging topics. February was spent with a 4-week mental health placement. Even if mental health isn't your thing, just remember that some of your future patients are likely to be experiencing some of the conditions you learn about. Rather than developing the nursing eyeroll that likely occurs when nurses feel out of their depth to care for these patients, keep these patients in mind, and work on your active listening skills. Your patients will appreciate this.
Year 2 semester 1: The busiest semester of my entire university life. 2 days after completing mental health placement we were back at uni. This semester is busy, but realise you will already have developed the coping and learning strategies to push through the semester. Nursing science 3 is again very challenging, but the lecturer is amazing! Clients with complex care: further develops your ability to make rationale-nursing decisions. Logic and evidence are what is required, keep up to date and read your textbook! In this semester you will also finish your research project and present it to your peers, teachers and the select few research mentors from the hospitals at which the research was conducted. Again we have great affiliations for nursing research. Placement is 4 weeks long, and by this point you will be feeling comfortable with 3-4 acute patients per shift. Confidence is built and you begin to really believe that you will make it out alive. Tip: Watch the bedside manner of the nurses you admire. Copy and repeat until the aspects of care that you admire in them become influential to your own practice. At this point do not get overconfident- you may feel good with 4 stable patients, but 1 shift with a deteriorating patient will make you realise again how much you have to learn. Stay humble and self reflect on how you cope with these tricky situations.
And that’s about all I can say for now. I have 1 semester to go. I’m currently completing all my final applications and crossing my fingers and toes that I can get interviews for Graduate Nurse year.
Good luck to you all in your decisions on where to study. My experience at UOM was positive because I am able to self direct my learning, I had a clear vision and I took opportunities when they arose. Keep the excitement alive and cry when it is all too overwhelming. Have a good support network if possible. Only throw in the towel if you can’t stand the profession. The course being hard shouldn’t stop you from getting through (many complete the course with young children at home). If you are finding it hard build a stable group of friends in the course and work together. Honestly getting H1’s in this course is really hard and employers know that. Do your best regardless, but realise there is more to nursing than your grades. You are not graded on the personal changes that occur when you become a nurse. For me these have included:
1) Becoming mature enough for the most vulnerable of people to trust me in their care.
2) Learning how to communicate effectively with nurses, doctors, allied health, family members and my patients (prior to nursing I considered myself an introvert, and was not confidant in talking to others).
3) Developing the backbone needed when advocating for your patients best interest.
4) The development of strong leadership skills. Having integrity and congruence are important in the profession. Telling a patient to exercise and eat healthily is all well and fine, but being able to lead by example should not be understated. This is for leading your peers as well, influence each other positively.
I think it’s apparent I recommend the course. I hope this response turned essay is helpful for some :)
