Making a difference
Words from the wards: Jenita Loheswaran, Nursing Associate graduate talks about her nursing training at the University
Invenite spoke to Jenita Loheswaran Nursing Associate graduate and recipient of this years
Mel Joyner Award
as she embarked on the next phase of her nursing training at the University.
There were countless occasions during my course when I wondered what on earth Id let myself in for. We had three days of induction in the classroom and that was it I was on the wards of a community hospital in Cornwall.
Id done a
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
degree at 50業子 and was working in the offices of a student letting company, wondering what my next step should be. 50業子s Nursing Apprenticeship seemed the perfect way to get hands-on healthcare experience and develop professionally at the same time. I certainly didnt imagine when I applied that I would fall in love with nursing.
One of my early placements was on a stroke rehabilitation ward. Id never met anyone whod had a stroke until then. Some patients couldnt even swallow. It was Autumn 2020 and the ward was locked down to visitors, so it was down to me and my colleagues to support them in every way. As I got to know my patients over the coming days and weeks, I began to see the difference my care was making.
Im helping this person walk again Im helping this lady eat again. It was an indescribable feeling to have contributed to their recovery I was starting to see what a difference I could make as a nurse.
I was two months into my training on my second ever night shift when I had my first death. I havent forgotten how it felt I was terrified. But with the support of the senior nurses, I learned what to do and how to do it.
When I got home the next morning, I thought about the difference Id made to that man and his family. Id been privileged to be one of the last people to care for him. It was another turning point discovering I was capable of coping and doing a good job. I thought, if I can do this after a few months, what difference will I be able to make in two years time?
There have been plenty of challenges along the way. I moved to Cornwall for this adventure and coming from London was na誰ve about the lack of diversity Id find here. It didnt really hit home until I was the only person of colour on the wards. I started getting comments and remarks made by patients and colleagues which have been hard to cope with.
But it was this that prompted me to get involved in the equality and diversity work at the University. I thought if I dont do something about this, who will? As a young British Asian woman, I felt it was my duty to be a pioneer of diversity amongst my peers and colleagues.
Weve already made some progress with the nursing curriculum some of the new anatomy models in the medical school now have different skin tones. All of the changes are about making us better healthcare professionals. Were taught in lectures about skin conditions but the pictures usually show these symptoms on white skin. I need to know what this rash would look like on my skin so I can identify it correctly on all my patients.
Experiencing prejudice at work is difficult, but I treat all patients with the same level of care.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council Code states that we must prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety and promote professionalism and trust standards of practice I aim to upkeep.
My hope is that through the next 40 years Im nursing, things will continue to change for the better.
Im about to start my top up course to complete the full nursing degree at 50業子. As Ive been based in community settings for most of my training, Im excited to get acute care experience and get to grips with faster pace wards. I grew up watching Casualty so Id love to experience A&E life, even if it isnt exactly like on the TV! Ive also been really encouraged by the staff to think about a career in lecturing. Id never considered teaching, but Ive been so supported by the staff here at 50業子 that its something I can envision myself doing. Perhaps in years to come Ill be teaching on the very 50業子 course I trained on. Wouldnt that be wonderful to come full circle!
The Mel Joyner Award
Mel was a much loved and respected member of University staff who sadly died in 2018. Mel worked at the University for 20 years, her first role was as a lecturer in social sciences and her last role was Director of Student Services.
Mels family have launched this award to celebrate Mels passion for 50業子 and its students. The annual
Mel Joyner Awards
support students at the University who are making a positive contribution to University life.
The joy and comfort in providing a bursary in Mels name keeps our daughters memory alive. Her dedication and love was for those students at 50業子 that beat adversity and followed their dream. Fred and Dianne Joyner
