Rewinding the clock back to be a student again is never an easy task for any working adult. As a nurse, we face challenges from every corner while balancing our personal/family life and work commitments. For some nurses, advancing their nursing education is a crossroad decision since there are additional expectations and responsibilities required. When I first joined IMU, I was amazed with the student-friendly environment, and the holistic approach the university upholds. To me, the introduction to blended learning and student-centered learning culture is a brand-new experience to me. Compared to my previous learning, I never had a chance to apply e-learning or ICT skills in studies. Hence, this was the good opportunity for me to embrace these challenges at IMU. In the initial stage, I found difficulty in adapting to my new role as a student or to engage myself in e-learning. I hesitated to pursue my studies because of the distance between IMU campus and my hometown, Penang. However, thanks to the caring and dedicated nursing faculty and administrative staff, I’m truly blessed with their support during my studies at IMU. My nursing facilitators were always approachable, helpful and they act as my walking inspiration throughout my studies. Not forgetting to my all-time favourite in getting e-library resources at IMU, where you will find abundant information and resources that you require. Despite the weekly assignments, I was motivated to complete my studies as the modules were highly relevant to the contemporary issues at my daily work in the clinical setting. In fact, the key academic discussion activity is one of my interest areas when student nurses from diverse clinical background shared their thoughts and experiences during forum discussions. I also enjoyed the face-to-face sessions because it helped me to overcome my fear of ‘flying without a parachute’. The teaching sessions allowed me to prepare for each core modules.

With that in mind, I was willing to make extra trips down to the Kuala Lumpur campus despite the expenses and utilisation of annual leave. It was a great relief to be able to continue my nursing practice while studying at IMU. The support and guidance from both the faculty and preceptors helped me to maintain a work-life balance over the 2-year period. Towards the end of the programme, I gained new knowledge and skills, and were able to bridge theory into real practice. In fact, I achieved my targeted goal for a First Class Honours degree at IMU!

Studying the Bachelor of Nursing Science (Hons) Post Registration programme at IMU was like a roller-coaster ride yet the experience was enjoyable and fulfilling. I would highly recommend IMU as an innovative institution that could provide wonderful student experience in advancing higher education in nursing. This is where I’m now – a person who is more than ready to meet with the challenges in the 21st century in healthcare settings.