Embarking on a four-year journey for a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at IMU University has been a blend of intense challenges, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. From the first day of class to hands-on training in real clinical settings, each step was a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and passion for patient care.
Reflecting on my time at IMU University, I am beyond grateful for the wealth of learning opportunities provided by the dedicated nursing faculty, shaping me into a nurse in the future. Throughout this journey, I have been supported by inspiring lecturers, devoted mentor, and attentive supervisor, as well as by peers, all of whom have fostered a sense of belonging and community. The special bond we share has grown into something truly remarkable, marked by support, guidance, and a shared commitment to excellence in patient care.
I will never forget when one of my lecturers imparted this powerful truth: “Knowledge is the greatest weapon you, as a nurse, will ever wield.” It is deeply memorable how I was taught to study and learn in IMU, not just for striving academic excellence, but to ultimately save lives and provide the highest level of patient care.
Unforgettable Experience
Two of the most unforgettable experiences I gained at IMU are conducting research and participating in the student mobility programme. Both experiences have significantly contributed to my personal growth and development.
Alongside the extensive communication required with my research supervisor, study sites, and other researchers, the most daunting challenge was the physical data collection. I still vividly remember spending 10 hours alone on the badminton court each time, striving to gather enough participants to complete my study. Nevertheless, this experience is truly unforgettable, as it allowed me to meet a diverse range of individuals and provided me with the opportunities to raise awareness about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) among the public. Needless to say, the support from my research supervisor is another key to this success.
Other than that, the educational resources provided, particularly the student mobility programme, has broadened my perspective on the extensive field of nursing. This remarkable opportunity allowed me to immerse myself in the diverse nursing culture of Singapore, enriching my understanding and appreciation of global healthcare practices.
Lessons Learnt
The most valuable lesson I’ve gained from the journey at IMU University is the art of multitasking. As a nursing student, juggling academic success, clinical placements and personal responsibilities has been the most challenging “course” in my journey. There are countless days when 24 hours feel far more insufficient for completing assignments, reflecting on daily clinical experiences, and striving to embody empathy as a future nurse, especially during clinical posting.
At times, I faced a difficult inner conflict, feeling unprepared to care for patients during clinical postings. Yet, these moments have taught me a fundamental truth: as nurse, I’m rarely perfectly prepared, but embracing this uncertainty is part of my daily reality. It’s undeniably exhausting, yet it’s also this positive pressure that fuels my motivation, driving me through each demanding semester.
With this unwavering determination, I feel ready to take on any challenges nursing may present in the future, just as I have throughout my time in nursing school.
Advice
“Let us never consider ourselves finished, nurses. We must be learning all of our lives” – Florence Nightingale.
Nursing is a journey of continuous development. Stay humble and never stop learning. Though we often face struggles and hardships, never let them stop you from what you are doing now. Even the smallest step propels you forward, bringing you closer to success.
Written by Tang De Ning, Nursing Alumni (NU120)
Reviewed by Dr Chang Woan Ching, Lecturer, Nursing Division, School of Health Sciences, IMU University
