Beyond The Clinical's. The Life of Nursing Students

Published in VOICES Vol. 3 (2024-2025)

It was 11:40 p.m. on a Saturday. I had just finished a round of medication administration, assessments, and finished catching up on my charting. I sat down, stretched my legs, and took a sip of water. It was going to be a good time to take a stab at 100 pages of microbiology before a call bell went off or the IV line started beeping.

Being a nursing student is challenging, especially with placements in upper years. Balancing responsibilities as a health care provider, student, friend, and person would take a significant toll on anyone. Many of us sacrifice sleep and social lives to keep up during our three-week placement blocks. Our courses are difficult and extensive, but they prepare us for environments where any error can prove fatal.

It takes a special heart to pursue a nursing career. Not only are we exposed to the physical manifestations of the most diverse biomedical diagnoses, but also the rooted social factors that make people sick. Even though we learn extensively about the Social Determinants of Health, we sometimes feel powerless to change our systems.

7:00 a.m. hits. For some it's home time, but for others it's a class or an exam. A day-day-night-night schedule is very common, and many of us are completely unavailable in our three-week placement blocks.

The physical aspects of nursing are undeniable, but the emotional weight is just as heavy. We build bonds with patients, only to witness their suffering or their final moments. Even with the emotional groundwork laid in our theory classes, nothing can truly prepare us for these mentally challenging aspects. We carry many moments with us, even as we try to set boundaries.

It's 5 p.m., and I just woke up from 6 hours of quality sleep. After a quick meal, it's time to go in again. Day in, day out. This is the life of nursing students.

Amidst the difficulties, there are moments of profound meaning, like when a patient squeezes your hand in gratitude or when a family thanks you for making their loved one comfortable in their last hours.

Considering how busy nursing schedules can get, any community involvement from nursing students should be valued. From sophing, student councils, clubs, and varsity sports, nursing students sacrifice so much just to get involved elsewhere. Balancing these commitments alongside a demanding program requires resilience, time management, and unwavering dedication to our profession and peers.

Despite our packed schedules, many nursing students take on leadership roles, advocate for healthcare improvements, and volunteer in ways that extend far beyond the hospital walls. We bring our unique perspectives to every new experience, shaped by witnessing the realities of patient care, health inequities, and high pressure environments. Whether mentoring first-year students, organizing wellness initiatives, or contributing to policy discussions, our presence strengthens the communities we serve.

Yet, our community involvement often comes at a cost. Unlike students in other faculties, we juggle clinical shifts that don't follow traditional schedules, making it difficult to participate in meetings and events. Still, we persist because we know that the advocacy, leadership, and teamwork skills we build will make us better nurses and better people. This is the impact I want to highlight. Nursing students are not just caregivers at the bedside. We are change makers in every space we step into, bringing with us compassion, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of human needs.

My name is Steve, and I am a third-year nursing student. I'm proud to highlight one of Western's most unique programs. Next time you talk to a nursing peer, please consider our challenges and commitments. For those who choose this path, it's not just a career—it's truly a calling. Reflecting back, I know I wouldn't have chosen anything else.

https://uscvoice.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/VOICES-Vol.-3.pdf

(Pages 23-24)