Finishing your nursing degree? Hear from a UC Nursing graduate

Entering the big wide world after graduation can be a scary thought, especially for someone in the nursing industry. Recently we sat down with alumna Emma Williams, to talk about her time here at UC, how far she’s come since graduating and advice for upcoming graduate’s and ongoing students. So, if you’re coming to the end of your nursing degree, just starting out or keen to learn more about the industry, keep reading.

From the beginning

Emma Williams graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Nursing, a career that was always on the cards for her.

“Nursing is an area that I have been interested in since I was a little girl. My mother was a nurse – and I remember always looking up to her with admiration. I was amazed at how cool, calm and collected she was – and still is – doing what she did.”

After graduating from the University of Canberra, Emma landed a new graduated critical care rotation position in emergency and intensive care, finding that her studies at UC had equipped her with the proper foundation of knowledge for the industry. The clinical placements prepared her for life in the ‘real world’ and the supportive nature of both university staff and fellow students have helped shape her into the nurse she is today.

My fondest memories of my time at UC are being able to make lifelong friends, many of whom are now my colleagues today.

Kicking Goals

After the new graduate critical care rotation, Emma was able to consolidate her foundational nursing knowledge by working across multiple areas of nursing. Through this she found herself developing a stronger interest in intensive care and has since completed her honours in critical care nursing.

In 2017, the education team, of which Emma is a part of, won the Excellence Education Award at the 2017 ACT Nursing & Midwifery Excellent Awards, cementing Emma’s place as a leader in nursing education.

Insights and Advice

Emma has faced many challenges and highlights in her nursing career so far. Making the move from an exclusively clinical role to an educative role in the critical care environment has been a big milestone. And while there is no such thing as a typical day in the area of nursing, Emma has a vested interest in helping new nurses and staff grow to become experts in their fields. However, there are a number of challenges.

“Dealing with the sudden loss of a patient, even after your team has worked so hard to save them can be hard. I find that talking to colleagues who share your feelings and understand the work environment can be extremely helpful. It’s important to also maintain a healthy work-life balance.”

Finding Inspiration

What motivates and inspires Emma is the ever-changing dynamic nature of nursing. Everyday there is new technology, new medications and new research. She is driven by the belief that you can never stop learning and she continues to learn new things every day.  

“Try not to specialise straight away – get the essentials down pat first regardless of what area you work in. for example, brushing a patient’s dentures or cleaning a patient’s glasses may not seem like a priority, but it will mean the world to the patient and their loves ones. Don’t forget to do the ‘little things’ – make time for them.”

Emma encourages future nursing students to take the time to grow and hold onto fundamental skills that are developed in each role they take on.

Every day is different – it could be full of laughs, or full of tears, but I feel very privileged to be able to engage in the work I do.