Khalila Darrell

Adult Nursing - BSc (Hons)

Adult Nursing student Khalila was a little worried about starting her course as she had been out of academic studies for some time, but she found that the support from the Health, Education and Life Sciences Faculty and lecturers helped her make the transition back into study. She’s fitted in seamlessly with her peers and found herself in a tight-knit student nursing community.

"From a very young age I was told that I would make a wonderful nurse; I always ran for the first aid kit if anyone needed it! I knew that I was never meant for a nine-to-five, Monday to Friday office job. I have never had the tolerance for staying still for long periods. When I worked as a healthcare assistant at the King Edward’s Memorial Hospital in Bermuda, the nurses were constantly encouraging  me to pursue my Nursing degree, as I was always so interested in learning about what they were doing and jumping at any training opportunities available to me.

As a mature student being out of academic studies for some time, I was extremely concerned about being just a number in a class room. I was fortunate enough to be exposed to Birmingham City University  students while I worked as a healthcare assistant at City Hospital, Birmingham. Through them I learned how supportive the Faculty and lecturers were throughout their studies. I was informed about the extra support systems available while studying, and I was able to see how confident the students were, while they were on placement. I was prepared to travel anywhere to begin my Nursing degree but after attending a few open days at other universities, I was sure that BCU was the university for me.

I have never felt as though I could not ask for help or support, be that personal or academic, while on this course. Our group of January starters has felt like a little family, our own nursing community. We always support each other in class and out of class we all use platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook to help one another. This really helps to ease stress and anxiety, because you realise that we are all going through it.

The staff at BCU go over and above for the students. Lecturers put on extra tutorial sessions, some have even arranged student-led tutorial sessions, as they know that students can sometimes feel too nervous to ask questions to the lecturer themselves. The Moodle resources provided by the different lecturers are adapted to cater to the different learning styles of the students, there are YouTube videos and research articles, along with access to online resources. Some lecturers have come up with innovative ways to enhance our learning though a project called ‘Know Your Organs Day’ where students can come and see real porcine organs (which are closest to human organs), feel them and ask questions about them. The supporting staff offer lots of support as well. The librarians hold regular classes to help students with researching and referencing techniques. There is also a Professional Development Department that can assist with study skills, maths tutorials etc.

The best advice I can give to future students on the Adult Nursing course is to believe in yourself. Time and time again, I hear other students saying “I didn’t think I could do that,” and I know of so many people who were too afraid to try. Believing in yourself and your capabilities is half the battle. You will push yourself to do amazing things and people will support you to do them. As an adult learner it’s so important to find out what works best for you and if you’re struggling in any areas, don’t be scared to ask for support, as there is so much available. I’m so glad I trusted in myself and had the confidence to start my degree! "