Marwan Alluhaibi

What were you doing before you came to study at City St George's?

Before coming to study at City St George’s, University of London, I was focused on preparing for my nursing career by gaining relevant experience and expanding my knowledge in healthcare. I spent time learning about healthcare systems, medical terminology, and the core principles of nursing to ensure I was well-prepared for my studies. Additionally, I sought opportunities to gain experience in healthcare settings through volunteering in healthcare settings. This allowed me to develop key skills such as patient communication, empathy, and an understanding of multidisciplinary teamwork. Through these experiences, I also familiarized myself with ethical considerations in healthcare and the importance of evidence-based practice in nursing. To strengthen my academic foundation, I completed a foundation year, which allowed me to develop my knowledge in biology, healthcare sciences, and essential study skills. This experience provided a smooth transition into my nursing degree and helped me build the confidence needed for university-level learning.

How did you develop an interest in this subject area and why did you choose to study Adult Nursing?

I have always been passionate about healthcare and making a difference in people’s lives. Growing up, I admired the dedication and compassion of healthcare professionals and felt drawn to a career where I could help others through challenging times. My interest in nursing deepened when I learned about the diverse roles nurses play—not just in direct patient care but also in leadership, education, and research.

Why did you choose to study at City St George’s?

City St George's, University of London stood out to me because of its strong reputation for nursing education. The course structure is well-balanced, combining theoretical learning with experience in clinical placements in a range of settings.

Additionally, City St George’s diverse student community and supportive learning environment were key factors in my decision. The University offers excellent resources, including modern simulation labs that allow us to practice clinical skills before working with real patients.

What has been your favourite thing about studying Adult Nursing?

One of my favourite aspects of studying nursing is the combination of academic learning and practical experience. The theoretical components have helped me understand the science behind patient care, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and disease management. At the same time, clinical placements have allowed me to apply this knowledge in real healthcare settings, making the learning process more dynamic and engaging.

I also appreciate the personal growth that comes with the course. Nursing challenges you to develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to different situations. The sense of accomplishment that comes from successfully managing a patient’s care or supporting someone through a difficult moment is incredibly rewarding.

Another aspect I love is the sense of community among students. Nursing is a challenging course, but having a strong peer network makes a big difference. We support each other through coursework, share experiences from placements, and learn from one another’s perspectives.

How have you found the teaching and facilities on Adult Nursing?

The teaching has been outstanding. Lecturers use a mix of traditional lectures, group discussions, problem-solving activities, and clinical skills training to ensure we understand both the theoretical and practical aspects of nursing. Many of our tutors have extensive clinical experience, and they emphasise reflective practice, encouraging us to learn from our experiences and continuously improve our skills.

The facilities at City St George’s are excellent. The university has simulation labs that mimic real hospital environments, allowing us to practice procedures such as wound care, catheterization, and intravenous medication administration. These sessions help build confidence before we go into clinical placements. The library is also a great resource, offering access to a wide range of academic journals, textbooks, and online learning materials.

Where have you been on your clinical placements, and what have you enjoyed most about these experiences?

I have had the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings, including elective orthopaedics and the Macmillan Cancer Centre. Each placement has been unique, offering different learning opportunities and challenges.

In elective orthopaedics, I gained experience in post-operative care, pain management, and rehabilitation. I developed my independence in patient assessments, medication administration, and documentation. Working with a multidisciplinary team, I learned how different healthcare professionals collaborate to ensure optimal patient recovery.

At the Macmillan Cancer Centre, I was exposed to oncology nursing, where I learned about chemotherapy administration, blood transfusions, and managing the side effects of cancer treatments. I also developed a deeper understanding of palliative care and the importance of holistic support for patients and their families.

What I have enjoyed most about these experiences is the ability to connect with patients and make a meaningful difference in their care. Whether it’s helping a patient regain mobility after surgery or providing emotional support during a difficult diagnosis, these moments reinforce why I chose nursing.

How will these experiences help you with your future career?

My placements have provided me with a strong foundation in clinical skills, patient care, and critical thinking. Exposure to different specialties has helped me identify areas of interest and gain confidence in handling a wide range of medical conditions. These experiences have also strengthened my ability to work under pressure, communicate effectively, and prioritise tasks—all essential skills for a successful nursing career.

Additionally, working in real healthcare settings has taught me the importance of teamwork, leadership, and patient advocacy. I now feel more prepared to transition into a registered nurse role, where I can apply these skills to provide safe, compassionate, and high-quality care.

What would be your advice to students about to start their first placement experience?

Be open-minded and willing to learn. Your first placement can feel overwhelming, but remember that you are there to observe, ask questions, and develop your skills. Take initiative—volunteer to assist with procedures, engage with patients, and seek feedback from your mentors.

It’s also important to be kind to yourself. You won’t know everything right away, and that’s okay. Nursing is a journey of continuous learning. Keep a reflective journal to track your progress and don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you need it.

Have you overcome any challenges during your studies?

Yes, I have faced several challenges throughout my nursing studies, but each one has contributed to my growth and resilience. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing academic work, clinical placements, and personal life.

Nursing is a demanding course that requires attending lectures, completing assignments, and working long hours on placement. Managing this workload while ensuring I had time for self-care and personal commitments was difficult at times.

To overcome this, I developed strong time management skills, created structured study schedules, and prioritised my workload effectively. Another challenge was adapting to the fast-paced environment of clinical practice. As a student nurse, I constantly had to learn new procedures, work with different teams, and handle unfamiliar situations. At times, I felt overwhelmed, especially when dealing with complex patients.

However, I reminded myself that making mistakes and asking for help were part of the learning process. I actively sought guidance from my mentors, engaged in reflective practice, and set small learning goals to gradually build my confidence. Seeking feedback from experienced nurses helped me improve my clinical skills and develop a more proactive approach to patient care.

Being an international student also presented its own challenges. Adjusting to a new healthcare system, understanding different cultural expectations in patient care, and learning specific medical terminology and documentation formats took time. To overcome this, I took extra time to study policies, procedures, and patient care guidelines specific to the UK healthcare system. Observing experienced nurses, asking questions, and utilising university resources helped me adapt quickly.

Despite these challenges, I have developed resilience, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills. Seeking support from lecturers, tutors, and my peers made a huge difference in my academic journey. Over time, I became more confident in handling clinical situations, advocating for patients, and managing my workload effectively. These experiences have not only made me a better student nurse but have also prepared me for the realities of working as a registered nurse, where critical thinking, adaptability, and perseverance are essential.

What kind of things are you involved in outside of your course?

Outside of my studies, I am a Student Ambassador at City St George’s, University of London. This role allows me to support prospective students, share my experiences, and help others navigate university life. I also enjoy attending healthcare-related workshops and networking events to broaden my knowledge and connect with professionals in the field.

What would be your advice to anyone considering studying Adult Nursing?

Nursing is a demanding but incredibly fulfilling career. If you are passionate about patient care, willing to work hard, and eager to continuously learn, this course is for you. Be prepared for challenges, but also remember that every experience—whether positive or difficult—will shape you into a better nurse. Stay motivated, ask for help when needed. Your first nursing placement can be exciting yet overwhelming, but preparation helps.

Research your placement area, refresh key skills like vital signs and infection control, and carry a small notebook for notes. Be professional, arrive on time, and engage with your mentor by discussing learning objectives and seeking feedback. Observe, ask questions, and get involved where possible. Stay patient-focused, communicate effectively, and reflect on your experiences. If challenges arise, seek support and take things one step at a time. At the end, ask for feedback, thank your team, and document your learning. Most importantly, enjoy the experience!