Meredith Davies Student Profile

Student Profile

Name: Meridith Davies
Course: Bachelor of Nursing

I am a mature age student studying full-time and I have not studied at uni before. I am a single parent of two teenage daughters who are heavily involved in equestrian activities and I also juggle 3 part-time jobs. I have very understanding employers who have allowed me to change my shifts every semester and take time off when I have clinical placements.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my degree and I will be a bit sad to finish this year. I have given myself the goal of starting some post graduate study once I have completed my New Grad year. Earlier this year I participated in a field trip to Malaysia and Brunei organised by the UWS School on Nursing. It involved a study tour to compare health care systems and was an unexpected highlight of my studies and will be a memory I will always keep.

Why did you decide to undertake the Bachelor of Nursing course?
I have always worked in people-oriented jobs and nursing seemed like a natural progression for me. As a single parent, I felt it important for me to have a career, not just a job. A career in nursing is varied and I feel there are many opportunities for me, even as a mature aged student.

Why did you choose to study at UWS?
UWS is my local campus and seemed to have a strong nursing school. Having the campus directly between my home and my workplace has made my study load a lot easier. I can even manage to squeeze a tutorial into my lunch hour!

What is it like to be a student at UWS enrolled in this course?
Thoroughly enjoyable. I haven’t studied since I left school (which was a long time ago!). I was very nervous about managing my assignments and exams but I have felt fully supported. As a 3rd year student, I think I will feel disappointed that it is all over soon.

What are you hoping to gain by completing this degree?
I hope to get my New Graduate position at a local hospital and I eventually would love to work as a community health nurse or work in rural/remote areas. I hope to gain independence and give myself choices in regards to my career.

What are your professional goals after completing your degree?
I am keen to start my career next year and I am contemplating doing further study to increase my knowledge base. I have enjoyed my university experience so much that I want to continue with some post graduate study.