Europe awaits for GCU Nursing students

GCU students are being encouraged to consider a world of opportunity through the European Nursing Students' Association (ENSA).

Third year BSc Nursing Studies (Adult) Fiona Defresnes got involved at the end of last year and became the organisation’s first UK-based member.

ENSA aims to represent all European nursing students and contribute to the advancement of nursing education and healthcare quality.

“I’m really keen to help spread the word and make sure other students know about it and the benefits of getting involved,” explained Fiona, who found out about the opportunity through Department International Lead (Nursing), Tom McAlear.

“ENSA help give students a voice, which is massively important! It’s also a great opportunity for student nurses across Europe to network with each other and learn more about the profession in different countries.

“I’ve talked to a lot of GCU students who are interested in travelling abroad and I think this is a really good step, especially if you’re not sure how to go about working in a different country.”

Fiona herself is keen to expand her horizons and explore the different options available to her as a student nurse and future professional.

She said: “I really like to travel. A lot of my family members live all across the world, so growing up meant we got the chance to do a lot of travelling. I do want to work abroad but I think part of that comes from my interest in different healthcare systems around the world, and also how people are taught in different countries.

“I’m actually currently applying to be on the board of ENSA as a research officer. It’s exciting because they send four board members each year to represent student nurses at different World Health Organisation conferences.

“They also hold a big annual conference where they celebrate all their achievements. This year’s is in Portugal and I’m really keen to go!”

Fiona added: “I’m proud to be ENSA’s first member from the UK. A lot of people probably don’t know about it because we left the European Union, but it really is a brilliant opportunity for nursing students at GCU.”

You can register your interest with ENSA by emailing hello.ensa@gmail.com
You can also visit their website here

By Ross Clark          
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter