Balancing Nursing, Education, and Personal Life

As a newly registered Staff Nurse, I realised I needed to advance both my education and career. I enrolled in a Degree programme while working full-time in a busy orthopaedic ward, caring for patients needing both planned surgeries and emergency care. The physical demands of my shifts were exhausting, and the emotional toll of clinical work added to the challenge. Balancing my studies, family life, and friendships was often a struggle. At times, I found it difficult to take care of myself and maintain a healthy work-life balance. During these moments, the support of my friends and family was crucial—they played a key role in my success.

Developing Academic Skills and Enhancing Patient Care

Several notable “successes” came out of my Nursing Degree. First, I developed strong academic skills, learning critical decision-making, and how to think analytically. I also learnt to clearly articulate my evidence base, something that had previously frustrated me. This growth was reflected in how I cared for patients and their families. While I had always understood the professional Code of Conduct, the Degree helped me become a more effective patient advocate and deepened my understanding of the ethical principles guiding my work. Ultimately, I became a better nurse and a stronger colleague.

From Nurse to Leader: Embracing Innovation and Growth

I had always been an innovative thinker, and the Degree further developed my skills as a leader and practice developer. I gained a deeper understanding of the need for change and how to manage and sustain it. Eventually, I transitioned into research, teaching, and academia. Although I expected to be promoted, I did not initially realise just how pivotal my Degree would be for my future career. I became a role model for others aspiring to become graduate nurses and grew more confident in myself. One of the most special moments was seeing how proud my family and friends were when I graduated.

The Lifelong Impact of Education on My Career

My time at university was an exciting experience. Having access to an excellent library, professional instructors, and developing a new social network were all parts of the journey. The academic staff were supportive, always encouraging me to reach my full potential. Sometimes this meant being challenged, but I always received written and verbal feedback to help me improve. I also benefited from professional support staff, such as pastoral services. Earning my Bachelor’s Degree marked the beginning of a lifelong educational journey that eventually led me back to university to complete a Postgraduate teaching qualification and a Master’s Degree.

Applying Student Experiences to Academic Teaching

Having been an academic for many years, I constantly draw on my own experiences as a student to guide my teaching practice. I remember the pressures of juggling work, family life, and studies, which reminds me that quality teaching and assessment must include genuine support for each student. This approach helps ensure that I can assist students in reaching their full potential.

Transform your career and make a difference — start your Nursing Degree today and inspire compassionate care!

The Quiet Reflection

The bell rang, signalling the end of another long day. I sat quietly in my office, lost in thought. The walls around me were adorned with Degrees, awards, and certificates, a testament to years of dedication in academia. But behind these accolades was a journey filled with struggle, resilience, and self-discovery.

A New Beginning in a Strange Land

My journey began on the southwestern coast of Nigeria, where I dreamt of impacting lives through nursing. Relocating to the United Kingdom (UK) to advance my career, I found myself in an unfamiliar academic world filled with strange teaching methods and a pervasive sense of isolation. I often felt like a stranger in my classroom. The UK’s academic culture, with its essay deadlines and presentations, was vastly different from the exam-focused system I knew in Nigeria.

Struggles of a Mature Student

As a mature student juggling work, studies, and family, I faced overwhelming challenges. Often the only Black face in my classes, I felt alienated by the lack of representation among my lecturers. The exhaustion and loneliness were sometimes unbearable, and I frequently considered giving up. However, my determination to make a difference—for myself and others—kept me moving forward.

Becoming a Lecturer: A Mission of Empathy

Years later, when I became a lecturer, my mission was clear: to ensure my students, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, did not feel as lost as I once did. I taught not just the curriculum but shared my own story of setbacks and triumphs. I spoke openly about times I struggled to adapt, hoping my experiences would resonate with students facing similar challenges. Teaching was not about showcasing achievements but showing my students they were not alone.

A Reflection of My Past Self

One day, a student from Africa, on the verge of dropping out, came to my office. She was overwhelmed by cultural differences and academic pressures, and as she spoke, I saw a reflection of my past. I shared my experiences with her, and together, we created a plan involving coaching, academic support, and time management. Slowly, she regained her confidence and eventually graduated with First Class Honours. Moments like these underscored for me the power of empathy and sharing personal stories.

Championing Inclusivity in Higher Education

My journey has been more than a personal victory; it is a commitment to inclusivity in higher education. Despite facing systemic racism, discrimination, and a lack of support, these challenges fuelled my passion for creating a more inclusive environment for all students. I work tirelessly to break down barriers and make my classroom a safe space where every student feels seen and valued.

A Beacon of Hope

As I look at my students, I realise that my story is more than just my own; it is a beacon of hope for those who feel unseen and undervalued. I am not just a teacher; I am a testament to perseverance and the power of overcoming adversity. My journey shows that every struggle can become a story of success, inspiring others to find strength in their challenges.

Transform your career and make a difference — start your Nursing Degree today and inspire compassionate care!

Encouraging Self-Belief: The Power of Perseverance in Nursing Education

In your education journey, self-belief is often the most important and most difficult quality to nurture. The challenges of clinical practice, academic demands, and personal growth can sometimes feel overwhelming. But as a nurse educator, I believe that the key to overcoming these obstacles lies in developing resilience, embracing a growth mindset, and understanding the transformative power of learning.

I have had the privilege of caring for many patients at the end of their lives. These intimate moments, shared with patients and their loved ones, have profoundly shaped my understanding of what it means to be a nurse and an educator. Being there for people during their most vulnerable times is not just about nursing knowledge or technical skills. It is about doing your best and showing genuine care, qualities that define good nursing. This belief has deeply influenced my approach to teaching and supporting student nurses. My passion for nursing has not waned over the years; in fact, it has grown stronger as I see students rise to the challenges and make meaningful impacts in their lives and the lives of others.

The Importance of Self-Belief

One of the greatest lessons I have learned from both my clinical practice and teaching is the importance of believing in oneself. There will be moments of doubt, whether it is during a stressful clinical moment, facing a difficult assessment, or dealing with personal challenges. But these moments of adversity are where the seeds of growth are planted. As students, the key is not to be discouraged by setbacks and challenges, but to view them as opportunities to learn, develop, and improve. What truly matters is your commitment to learning, growing, and doing your best for yourself and those in your care.

Embracing a Growth Mindset

The concept of a growth mindset is fundamental not only to academic success but also to personal and professional development. A growth mindset means believing that your abilities can be developed through dedication, effort, and a willingness to embrace challenges. It is about understanding that having the self-belief in yourself helps you take the stepping stones toward mastery.

In nursing and education this mindset is especially important. The fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of healthcare requires constant learning and adaptation. You will learn to see obstacles not as insurmountable barriers but as opportunities to become a more competent and compassionate nurse.

Believe in Yourself

To every student who feels uncertain or overwhelmed, my message is simple: believe in yourself. Self-belief is not about being confident all the time, it is about trusting that you are capable of learning, growth, and improvement. Start by setting small goals, seek support from those who inspire you, and do not be afraid to ask questions to learn from.

Remember to have self-compassion. The most important thing you can bring to your learning, is your willingness to learn and do your best, no matter the situation. If you can hold onto that, success will follow. You have the power to make a difference to your life one step at a time. Keep learning, keep growing, keep believing, and never forget that you can do it.

Transform your career and make a difference — start your Nursing Degree today and inspire compassionate care!

Embarking on a Journey of Self-Discovery

My professional journey has been filled with moments of self-discovery, beginning years ago in Zimbabwe, where I was born. The person I am today is very different from who I was 20 years ago. This transformation would not have been possible without adopting an open mindset and embracing the learning opportunities along the way.

A New Beginning in the United Kingdom (UK): From Teacher to Psychiatric Nurse

Twenty years ago, I moved to the UK to train as a psychiatric nurse, leaving behind my career as a secondary school teacher. Adjusting to a new education system, culture, food, and the cold weather took time. There were moments when I missed my home country and the support of my family, but I persevered. In return, I was rewarded with an exciting career. I worked with the police and at magistrates’ courts as a psychiatric nurse. Although I loved my job, I missed being an educator. I connected with my local university and began offering sessions as a guest lecturer, hoping to reconnect with my passion for teaching. While I never expected to become a full-time academic again, the opportunity for a secondment at the university arose, and taking it was the best decision I ever made.

Leadership in Education: Fostering Growth and Transformation

Teaching goes beyond academic work; it also comes with leadership responsibilities. Teachers are in a privileged position where they can inspire the next generation and create meaningful change – not just in the classroom, but also in the community and in health policy. In my role as a clinical educator, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery in leadership. Over the years, I have developed confidence by adopting various approaches and fostering a growth mindset. This mindset has allowed me to turn moments of doubt into opportunities for profound personal and professional development. As a result, I have developed a specific interest in workforce development.

Giving Back: My Roles in Health and Justice

As I near the completion of my PhD, I reflect on the challenges I faced, especially as an adult learner with family responsibilities. Despite these challenges, I am grateful I persevered. In my role as a nurse educator, I have had the opportunity to work with other services, including my local Health Trust, where I now serve as a partner governor. I have also maintained connections with the criminal justice system and currently serve as a Justice of the Peace (Magistrate). Both roles provide me with the chance to give back to the community.

Final Message: Aim High and Seize Opportunities

My career as a clinical educator has been a journey of self-discovery. I have learned a great deal from the skilled teachers who taught me, and in return, I have instilled a sense of self-belief in my students while contributing to the community’s development. My final message to students is to always do your best and seek out opportunities. As Norman Vincent Peale said, “Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

Transform your career and make a difference — start your Nursing Degree today and inspire compassionate care!