"I chose the Master of Advanced Nursing to improve my knowledge and skills in a specific field of nursing (paediatrics). This is to enable me to provide evidence-based care and undertake innovations within the clinical area of paediatrics and beyond. I also hope to improve on my leadership skills and pursue leadership roles after the course."
I chose the Master of Advanced Nursing to improve my knowledge and skills in a specific field of nursing (paediatrics). This is to enable me to provide evidence-based care and undertake innovations within the clinical area of paediatrics and beyond. I also hope to improve on my leadership skills and pursue leadership roles after the course.
Before starting the course, I was working as a Registered General Nurse in Richard Novati Catholic Hospital, Ghana with seven years of clinical experience.
I chose the University of Melbourne because it is well-known and recognised as one of the best academic institutions, and challenges and inspires students to make a difference. Secondly, the University of Melbourne is the only academic institution that offers a Master of Advanced Nursing course with specialisation in Australia.
The most challenging aspect of the course is the independent learning that allows you to identify your hidden strengths, talents and learn a new task. The most surprising part of the course is the availability of both teaching and non-teaching staff who are dedicated to guiding you through the journey. This has been a very helpful privilege that I have not experienced in my previous studies. It is always exciting to see and interact with different kinds of people in a vibrant academic area.
One of the best things about the course is the healthy student-teaching relationships that exist, as well as relationships with other students that help to foster learning. Throughout my studies, I have participated in mentorship programs through the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences’ Scholars Connect program, which has significantly influenced the depth and level of my learning and has improved my confidence.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our learning transitioned to online and although it was not expected, I took advantage of the time to do my best. Additionally, staff have been very helpful through Zoom meetings and responding to emails. I constantly engaged with my lecturers through the exchange of emails and was ensuring I participated in all class Zoom meetings and online discussion boards. It gave me peace of mind that even though I wasn’t physically on campus, I still belonged to a class. The biggest challenge of online learning was the absence of the vibrant academic atmosphere that I believe encourages me to perform better.
My future career goal is to work on a large scale in paediatric global health with my success measured by the positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children. I will achieve these goals through the use of my knowledge and skills to acquire competency and take up positions in paediatrics that are challenging and stimulating.
I would encourage future students to take up the Master of Advanced Nursing course because it offers students the opportunity to learn new knowledge in a specialised field and prepare for either clinical, educational, or managerial positions in nursing.