'A new year brings new challenges and goals'

Still, I was able to have some time off from university over Christmas and New Year to reflect back on the past year - and set goals for the new one ahead.

The New Year brings many changes; I am completing my final semester at university and getting ready for my final placements as a student nurse. Preparing for a written and practical examination is a challenge in its own right as I am expected to have the knowledge required to be a qualified nurse in the near future. At the present time I am studying hard for this examination in addition to other work that is needed to complete my programme.

My final placement was a significant decision-point in choosing my career pathway, which I will embark on upon completion of my programme. I requested my preference for my final two placements quite early and received them online a few weeks ago; I am very pleased with my placement allocation. I will be working in the accident and emergency department. The department is located in a large teaching hospital and provides comprehensive emergency services for the local community. I will be able to observe all kinds of patients with mild to severe injuries - in particular those with head and trauma injuries. I think this is one of the best placements to have before I qualify, as I expect to gain and refine significant skills to help me deal with emergencies.

The Gastrointestinal Investigation and Surgical Unit will be my final placement. I will be learning more about the procedures and investigations patients need to help with their diagnosis and treatment. This will determine which patients receive medical treatment alone and which need surgical intervention, and will help me to consolidate everything I have learnt over the past three years.

During my final two placements, I will also be preparing for my dissertation, as will many of my peers. This is one of the requirements to complete my nursing degree. I am expecting both placements to bring me much-needed experience which will prepare me for my lifelong career as a qualified nurse. I will be applying for job openings in the next few months and soon hope to join the large workforce of registered nurses in the UK. I am excited about the prospect of my future as a qualified nurse, and further, about working for the trust that helped me to achieve this status.

Pavel Vit is a third year student nurse at Imperial College.

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