Jess Venables: hands-on learning

Jess Venables, a children’s nursing student at ARU, explains how much she’s enjoyed skills labs and conferences that have helped her experiences in the real world.

My favourite magical moments at ARU are the days we have spent in skills labs and all of the conferences that I have been able to attend while on this course. The skills lab have provided us with the opportunity to practice skills, such as CPR, using hoists and taking bloods, while in a safe environment with time, therefore allowing us to gain knowledge and skills before going out into practice and participating in these skills with actual people. I believe this allows us to practice more efficiently and enjoy learning skills.

I have also been able to attend multiple conferences while studying children's nursing at ARU. For example, I attended a children’s nursing day, an anatomy conference and a palliative care conference. I have been able to meet many people and even hear patients’ stories while at these conferences, therefore gaining a lot of knowledge that has allowed me to provide better care and compassion to my patients. There is also the added bonus of the fact they tend to provide free food at these conferences!

I have so many moments at ARU that are memorable. I have been able to work with so many lovely people and have gained many lifelong friendships, these friendships are ones I will forever value as nobody understands how hard it is to do this degree other than those also going through it, therefore we have bonded through this.

It has been an amazing two years so far and I am very grateful for all of the experiences I have had. I cannot wait to see what opportunities and experiences the next year brings.




Hands-on learning at ARU

Explore our nursing degrees, where students learn in state-of-the-art skills labs and out on placement, or find out more at an Open Day.