The 24-year-old has recently graduated from the Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) and now works as a registered nurse in the Starship Children’s Hospital Emergency Department.
Campbell had previously completed a Bachelor of Communications at Auckland University of Technology and worked as a copywriter in the advertising industry for five months before deciding to make a career out of nursing.
“My parents played a big role in my decision [to become a nurse]. My mum is a nurse and my dad is a social worker. I look up to what they achieved and the positive impact they have had on Starship whānau and tamariki,” Campbell explains.
“I also realised there was a difference between doing something I was good at and doing something that I enjoy and has meaning. Nursing is an opportunity to make a tangible difference and challenge myself.”
The Aucklander was able to complete the master’s programme via distance learning with trips to Palmerston North to attend the contact courses, in addition to the clinical placements.
As part of the first cohort of students to complete the Master of Clinical Practice, Campbell is full of praise for the course.
“We had access to simulation labs that were accurate and appropriately equipped. We had lecturers who had tangible experience, that were approachable and could extract the best from us as students. We learned content that was relevant to our learning objectives that we can build on as we progress through our nursing careers.”
Campbell says the hardest thing about the course was juggling the study with his social life, but he was thankful that his lecturers understood that students have other commitments outside of study.
“With the help of approachable and contactable lecturers, I felt supported when things got busy. This enabled me to feel confident in asking for help, and is reflected in my clinical practice, whenever I’m unsure or feel out-of-my-depth, I know I can ask for help.”
While he has only been a nurse for a few months, Campbell is pleased with his career change.
“I work with some awesome people, and get to care for some even more awesome tamariki and whānau. It's a privilege to be in a position to care for incredibly diverse populations, in often tricky times.
“I'm glad I made the change and look forward to continuing my caring for and learning from tamariki and their whānau.”
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