Adam
Njarita

Why NTU

What inspired you to study your subject?

"Mental Health has always been a taboo subject in the past. Only in my generation have I seen an outburst of ‘willing’ conversation about the personal experiences many people are facing. To some people mental health is not real and to some people it is. I wanted to understand this debate as I believe both sides of the spectrum are interesting, and all are valid points to consider."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"From around covid times, I experienced prolonged feelings of confusion within myself of what is described as ‘depression’ and ‘anxiety’. Where I come from, these terms are not known so it was hard to explain these feelings that felt so personal to me.

I was able to find out that NTU was starting mental health nursing as a new course. So, after much research, I applied."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far?

"The experience is moulding me into a better man. I am learning about myself by learning how I interact with people.

On my course, there are people from all over the world and from all different walks of life, which allows me to be less judgemental and more open to learning more about people. I enjoy this aspect of the mental health nursing course."

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course

"I have completed two placements and my experiences have been good. Every time I start placement, I am a bit nervous but as time goes on, I can reflect and mature into a future professional nurse. Being sent to different places also expands your skill set because you must become more flexible in how you think.

In my most recent placement, I was on a ‘personality disorder ward’. I learned very quickly that I needed to adapt how I interacted with my patients. We are all complex people and, at times, we have different needs and require different approaches. What stayed the same however was still being able to be supportive and compassionate with them. By doing this, I believe people can feel safer around you."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"The most memorable moments are when someone can see something in you that maybe no one else has been able to see. Just hearing patients or nurses saying that you will become a great nurse if you put your mind to it, is a comfort to me. It also however means you must believe it first because there will be times when words or discouragement will come."

The Next Steps

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals? 

"NTU is helping me achieve my career goals by providing the right resources and allowing us to go on placement."