Making a difference
Words from the wards: Jenita Loheswaran, Nursing Associate graduate talks about her nursing training at the University
Invenite spoke to Jenita Loheswaran – Nursing Associate graduate and recipient of this year’s Mel Joyner Award – as she embarked on the next phase of her nursing training at the University.
There were countless occasions during my course when I wondered what on earth I’d let myself in for. We had three days of induction in the classroom and that was it – I was on the wards of a community hospital in Cornwall.
I’d done a BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree at Plymouth and was working in the offices of a student letting company, wondering what my next step should be. Plymouth’s Nursing Apprenticeship seemed the perfect way to get hands-on healthcare experience and develop professionally at the same time. I certainly didn’t imagine when I applied that I would fall in love with nursing.
One of my early placements was on a stroke rehabilitation ward. I’d never met anyone who’d had a stroke until then. Some patients couldn’t even swallow. It was Autumn 2020 and the ward was locked down to visitors, so it was down to me and my colleagues to support them in every way. As I got to know my patients over the coming days and weeks, I began to see the difference my care was making.
‘I’m helping this person walk again – I’m helping this lady eat again.’ It was an indescribable feeling to have contributed to their recovery – I was starting to see what a difference I could make as a nurse.
I was two months into my training on my second ever night shift when I had my first death. I haven’t forgotten how it felt – I was terrified. But with the support of the senior nurses, I learned what to do and how to do it.
When I got home the next morning, I thought about the difference I’d made to that man and his family. I’d been privileged to be one of the last people to care for him. It was another turning point – discovering I was capable of coping and doing a good job. I thought, ‘if I can do this after a few months, what difference will I be able to make in two years’ time?’
There have been plenty of challenges along the way. I moved to Cornwall for this adventure and – coming from London – was naïve about the lack of diversity I’d find here. It didn’t really hit home until I was the only person of colour on the wards. I started getting comments and remarks made by patients and colleagues – which have been hard to cope with.
But it was this that prompted me to get involved in the equality and diversity work at the University. I thought – if I don’t do something about this, who will? As a young British Asian woman, I felt it was my duty to be a pioneer of diversity amongst my peers and colleagues.
We’ve already made some progress with the nursing curriculum – some of the new anatomy models in the medical school now have different skin tones. All of the changes are about making us better healthcare professionals. We’re taught in lectures about skin conditions – but the pictures usually show these symptoms on white skin. I need to know what this rash would look like on my skin – so I can identify it correctly on all my patients.
Experiencing prejudice at work is difficult, but I treat all patients with the same level of care.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council Code states that we must prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety and promote professionalism and trust – standards of practice I aim to upkeep.
My hope is that through the next 40 years I’m nursing, things will continue to change for the better.
I’m about to start my top up course to complete the full nursing degree at Plymouth. As I’ve been based in community settings for most of my training, I’m excited to get acute care experience and get to grips with faster pace wards. I grew up watching Casualty – so I’d love to experience A&E life, even if it isn’t exactly like on the TV! I’ve also been really encouraged by the staff to think about a career in lecturing. I’d never considered teaching, but I’ve been so supported by the staff here at Plymouth that it’s something I can envision myself doing. Perhaps in years to come I’ll be teaching on the very Plymouth course I trained on. Wouldn’t that be wonderful to come full circle!
The Mel Joyner Award
Mel was a much loved and respected member of University staff who sadly died in 2018. Mel worked at the University for 20 years, her first role was as a lecturer in social sciences and her last role was Director of Student Services.
Mel’s family have launched this award to celebrate Mel’s passion for Plymouth and its students. The annual Mel Joyner Awards support students at the University who are making a positive contribution to University life.
“The joy and comfort in providing a bursary in Mel’s name keeps our daughters’ memory alive. Her dedication and love was for those students at Plymouth that beat adversity and followed their dream.” Fred and Dianne Joyner
