We caught up with Uwa Imhagwe – a Federation University Online student who is close to completing a Graduate Certificate in Health (Perioperative Nursing). In this interview, Uwa described her passion for nursing, her motivations for going back to university, and her experience of studying online.
If you’re a healthcare worker and you’d like to extend your skills, our nursing courses will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to become a leader in your field. Keep reading to find out what it’s like to study perioperative nursing online.
From geography to nursing: Uwa’s study journey
Uwa lives in Traralgon Victoria with her husband and three children. A lover of learning, Uwa holds a Bachelor of Geography and Regional Planning, a Master of Geographic Information, and a Bachelor of Nursing Practice.
Now, she’s studying for a Graduate Certificate in Health (Perioperative Nursing) to gain advanced-level nursing skills to further her career.
Uwa’s decision to study at Federation University Online
It was the combination of a suitable course length, good online resources, and experienced teaching staff that inspired Uwa to choose Federation University Online. As she explains:
“Federation University Online offered the course I was after, within a time frame that suited me. The online platform provided by Federation University Online was easy to navigate, with a wide range of online resources, with links to up-to-date articles and journals. The industry experience of the teaching staff was also quite helpful.”
When asked if there’s anything she’d like to say to a prospective student considering Federation University Online, Uwa said:
“You can be assured of resources to back up your learning, and support from Federation University’s online community.”
Adjusting to online study
When asked if online education has influenced her personal growth and development, Uwa replied:
“The online experience has been different. My previous study was face-to-face, so adjusting to online took some major discipline! With family (very active children under 15 years old), and work, I proved to myself that I could do it again!”
Once she adjusted, Uwa found that online study offered significant benefits:
“I can study in my own time, and therefore pace myself. This means I can give myself a head start, or take as much time as I need to get the task done.”
Uwa’s proudest achievements as an online student have been completing all her tasks on time – sometimes with time to spare – and passing!
Uwa’s tips for balancing work and study
We asked Uwa if she had any tips for other students about keeping everything in balance. She said:
“My greatest tip is to plan! Be aware of the times and dates for everything. Plan ahead, get a calendar, a diary, sticky notes – or a combination of all – to set reminders.”
Additionally, we asked if she had any words of wisdom about staying motivated and focused:
“Keep your eyes on the prize. I took it one day at a time, knowing that each day that passed got me closer to completing my course and attaining what I had set out to achieve, which was extra theoretical knowledge to back up my workplace practical skills.”
Looking towards the future: Uwa’s goals and aspirations
Like all nurses, Uwa finds satisfaction in providing assistance and service to people. As she explains:
“My ultimate goal is to be of service. I often refer to myself as a worker bee, and see the healthcare industry as a place that provides help to people when they most desperately need it.”
Thanks, Uwa, for your inspiring words. We wish you all the best with your studies and a very successful and rewarding career in perioperative nursing.
Feeling inspired?
Visit our Graduate Certificate in Health (Perioperative Nursing) page to learn more about this unique course. You can also get in touch with our Course Consultants to talk about your options and learn more about job opportunities.
If you want to dive straight in, you can apply now through our website.
