Student Perspective | Sky Bolaños | Adult Nursing (Hons)

Sky shares her experiences of studying with us
29th June 2021
Sky is studying on our BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing programme. At the age of twenty six, Sky had already spent around five years gaining experience as a Nursing Assistant. Wanting to stay close to family while also wanting to pursue a career in nursing meant that Sky was delighted at the opportunity to study at the University of Gibraltar.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Gibraltar?

I felt it was much easier for me to stay and study in Gibraltar, especially as my family is here. A few years ago, I did go to university in the UK, but I became very homesick and did not enjoy my experience there. This time, I’m really enjoying my university experience – when I finish my lessons, I can go off to the beach with my family! My partner is here, and so are my younger siblings, and by staying in Gibraltar I often get to see them. Additionally, everything is close by which is so much more convenient than when you have to catch trains and travel long distances like you do in the UK.

Why did you choose to study the BSc (Hons) in Adult Nursing?

Nursing is something I have always wanted to do; it is basically the only career I could see myself enjoying. I have always loved caring for people and have wanted to be a nurse since I was a child. Now, I finally have my opportunity to pursue this. I love the course and enjoy the fact that when I go to placements there are often people there that I already know, local people that I am familiar with.

You were involved in the vaccine rollout; what was this experience like?

One of my placements during my first year was at the ERS as part of the vaccination programme. We were well trained before we started the programme; it was an amazing experience! We were part of making history in Gibraltar. We were all proud of ourselves and it gave us a massive confidence boost. The GHA treated us like we were part of the team, as if we were professionals – they didn’t treat us differently because we were students, which I think we all really appreciated.

What has your experience of studying at the University of Gibraltar been like so far?

I really love it here! The fact that the class sizes are much smaller makes it easier for us to help each other out, and for the teachers to support us. When I first went to university in the UK, I was in a massive class and there was no way that I would have been able to raise my hand in front of 100 people. The fact that I am in a class of around 20 people makes me feel much more comfortable. With intimate class sizes we are all getting the attention that we require. The staff and teachers are also extremely helpful. We have two tutors that we can contact at any time for advice, we can email them or pass by their office; if we ever need help, they make time to sit down with us and explain the work that we may be struggling with. Furthermore, the resources are incredible here – we have realistic mannequins that we practice on which make sounds and even have a pulse!

What was your experience of the admissions process?

I found the process easy and almost fun! Of course, the actual interview process was nerve racking, but because it is Gibraltar, I saw people there that I already knew, that I was familiar with, so that eased my nerves.

Why did you decide to start studying again?

I worked as a nursing assistant for around five years before I made the decision to start studying again. I felt that being a nursing assistant was limiting as I could only do a certain number of things. Now that I am studying to be a nurse, I know that I will have more responsibilities, and that I can do many more things medically which is what I find genuinely interesting.

What are planning to do once you graduate?

I am planning to continue working as a nurse in Gibraltar. I would absolutely love to work in either the A&E department or in the ICU; I love the thought of the intensity and adrenaline that these departments would give me. I understand how draining these sorts of shifts can be, however I am more than ready for the challenge.
  • Undergraduate
    BSc (Hons)

    BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing

    Adult Nursing is a highly skilled, knowledgeable and caring profession. Throughout the programme you will develop critical, analytical and reflective skills that will enable you to make sound judgements and provide safe and effective evidence-based care.[...]

    3 Years

    Yes Placement option

    Full Time

    View Course