Why Study Child Nursing | Undergraduate Degrees at the University of Leeds

Summary

This video highlights the inspiring journey of a nurse who discovered her calling at a young age through personal experiences, such as helping a cousin with leukemia. Her passion for child nursing grew from her exposure to children with autism and the profound impact nurses have on families. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, compassion, and advocacy in nursing, stressing that every patient contact counts. The video also showcases the excellent clinical training provided by Leeds University, which prepares students to become exceptional children's nurses through hands-on experience and dedicated mentorship.

Takeaways

• 😀 The calling to become a nurse can happen at different times in life, often influenced by early experiences with healthcare professionals.
• 😀 A meaningful childhood encounter with a Mac melon nurse helped spark the initial interest in nursing by explaining sensitive topics in an approachable way.
• 😀 Visiting a cousin with leukemia in a children's ward revealed the profound impact nurses have on patients and their families beyond just medical care.
• 😀 Exposure to child nursing, particularly through a video on autism care, ignited a passion for working with children and making a difference in their lives.
• 😀 Nursing requires resilience and the ability to overcome challenges while putting the needs of the child or family first.
• 😀 Every interaction with a patient is important, and understanding the broader impact of care on patients and families is a key responsibility.
• 😀 Compassion, emotional support, and psychological care are integral parts of nursing, emphasizing holistic care for both the patient and their family.
• 😀 Accountability and continuous self-reflection are vital for nurses to improve and provide the best care possible.
• 😀 Advocacy for both the children and their families is crucial, ensuring their concerns and needs are addressed within the healthcare team.
• 😀 The nursing program at Leeds offers excellent clinical experience and passionate educators, preparing students to excel as children's nurses in various settings.
• 😀 Nurses in child nursing must be problem-solvers, supportive, and compassionate, always working hard to provide quality care and making a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

Q & A

What inspired the speaker to become a nurse?

The speaker's inspiration to become a nurse started at a young age. At seven or eight years old, they had an encounter with a Macmillan nurse who explained in a child-friendly way about someone passing away. Later, spending time with their cousin, who was diagnosed with leukemia, and witnessing the impact nurses had on families further solidified their desire to become a nurse.

What specific area of nursing did the speaker fall in love with?

The speaker developed a passion for child nursing, especially after watching a video about children with autism and the professionals providing care for them. This experience motivated the speaker to make a difference in the lives of children.

How does the speaker describe the qualities required for being a nurse?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of resilience, the ability to put the needs of the patient and their family first, and the capacity to stay calm and composed in challenging situations. Compassion, accountability, and emotional support are also highlighted as essential qualities for nurses.

What role does resilience play in nursing, according to the speaker?

Resilience is crucial in nursing as it helps nurses face challenges with perseverance. The speaker mentions that resilience enables nurses to keep going despite difficulties and work through the inevitable challenges that arise in patient care.

How does the speaker view the impact of nurses on families?

The speaker recognizes that nurses have a profound impact on families beyond just medical care. They provide emotional and psychological support, bridging gaps between the family and medical professionals, and ensuring that families feel understood and supported during difficult times.

What is the importance of advocacy in nursing, as described by the speaker?

Advocacy is essential in nursing because it involves not only advocating for the patient’s needs but also for the concerns and questions of their families. Nurses must be the bridge between the family and the healthcare team, ensuring that family members' worries are addressed and that the best possible care is provided.

What does the speaker suggest is a key element of providing effective patient care?

Effective patient care requires constant evaluation and reevaluation of the patient's condition. Nurses must be attentive, always assessing the patient's situation and responding to any changes, ensuring that their care is adapted to their evolving needs.

How does the speaker describe their learning experience at Leeds University?

The speaker describes their learning experience at Leeds University as highly beneficial, with excellent clinical placements and passionate, supportive teachers. The university's proximity to hospitals provides great real-world experience, and the overall environment helps students build the necessary skills to become competent children's nurses.

What is the significance of working with different teams in a hospital, according to the speaker?

Working with different teams in a hospital is described as a privilege by the speaker. Collaboration with nurses and other professionals from various backgrounds enriches their experience and helps them develop a comprehensive understanding of patient care.

What does the speaker believe about the future career prospects for nursing students at Leeds University?

The speaker believes that nursing students at Leeds University are well-prepared for their careers. The university's strong clinical placements and training ensure that students are highly capable, and many go on to secure jobs in children’s hospitals or district general hospitals around the country.