Fatima Ankoush
Through clinical placement, I was able to grow and increase my confidence.
Education wasn’t an option for my parents due to the negative effects of war back home. My parents migrated to Australia to seek better opportunities for my younger siblings and I. Their dedication and commitment towards providing us a better life is what motivates me to work hard every day and achieve my goals!
After completing high school, I always knew that a career in healthcare was for me, but there were so many different career options within this field, I didn’t know which path to follow. I initially studied Health Science (now Public Health) at UTS for a year, before discovering my true passion for helping others and transferring into a Bachelor of Nursing. I don’t regret the path I took, as it helped consolidate my skills and knowledge, and made transitioning into nursing much simpler.
I really enjoy science and learning about human anatomy and physiology, and the amazing ways our body works to keep us alive and healthy. To be able to use this information to empower others and improve their quality of life is a privilege, which motivated me to study nursing.
I am passionate about working with people and being involved in their journey to recovery. To be involved in the care of others, to advocate for patients and to ensure that they receive efficient treatment to enhance their health and wellbeing is why I aspire to become a registered nurse! I am particularly passionate about infant and children’s health – to be able to make a difference one day and see children smile is what encourages me to continue to grow and study hard at university.
I chose UTS because I wanted to study at an institution that would enable me to become into the best nurse that I could be! Hearing about the advanced clinical labs and teaching environment that UTS offers is what drove me to study here. I now know that I made the right choice as I constantly find myself ready and prepared for clinical placement as the labs replicate a hospital environment and prepare you well!
Moreover, the option to choose a specialty area to study in third year is another thing I love about UTS. This ensures that we can get clinical experience and develop more understanding in the area of nursing we are interested in!
Navigating through the hospital environment, and taking care of patients for the first time, was the most challenging thing for me. I am naturally a shy person and stepping out of my comfort zone to talk to others and be involved in their care, was something I never imagined myself to be able to do. However, through clinical placement I was able to grow and increase my confidence, which was ultimately a rewarding experience for me.
Moreover, it is always a great feeling to be able to utilise the clinical skills I have learned in class in a real-life setting. Furthermore, seeing patients smile over simple things – like assisting them with a shower, or assisting with feeding – showed me how small things can make a huge difference on someone’s life! It is always nice to know that even as a student, I have made an impact on a patient’s wellbeing, and seeing families be happy and trusting of your care towards their loved one is always rewarding.
In the past year, my experiences during clinical placement and within university has enabled me to grow – I have become more mature, empathetic towards others, more open-minded and developed more confidence!
I am passionate about working in a neonatal intensive care unit or special care nursery one day! This involves caring and monitoring medically unwell newborns, who are at their most vulnerable moments and providing support towards families during this difficult time. My youngest sister was in the special care nursery and seeing the compassionate care she received from the nurses inspired me to one day provide the same care towards others!
To new students, I say: be organised and prepared from day one! Practice efficient time management skills - get a planner, prioritise tasks and don’t leave assignments till the last minute. Instead, begin working on them slowly from the first week. This will reduce stress and may even enhance your marks! Try to use all the available resources. Practice labs are a great help, book in every few weeks to build on existing skills, and to work on your weaknesses! Most importantly, take care of yourself. Dedicate some time each week to do things you enjoy and recharge yourself.
Find out more about the Bachelor of Nursing at UTS.
