Mary Maringisanwa

Mary chose to study Nursing out of a lifelong desire to help others. Mary credits Herts with providing a supportive and nurturing environment throughout her studies. ‘I found Herts very supportive for all students, and this included academic, financial and emotional support. As a mature student there was a huge gap between the last time I went to school and when I decided to start university, so academically I felt really challenged. However, I took advantage of the student support services throughout my studies’.

One of Mary’s favourite memories from her time at Herts was her final year, when in-person learning resumed after the COVID pandemic. ‘I spent lots of time in the Learning Resources Centre, doing private study or with my classmates. I got to explore every corner of the LRC, which I couldn’t do during my first and second year due to lockdown.'

‘My responsibilities are diverse and include patient assessment, administering treatments, coordinating care with a multi-disciplinary team, and educating both service users and their families. I believe the practical skills I developed during my placements, such as communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, have been invaluable in my current role as a nurse.'

Going forward Mary wants to continue advancing her career within the nursing profession. ‘In the short term, I aim to climb the leadership ladder to a Band 6 position and my long-term goal is to be either a chief nursing officer or director of nursing. These positions would allow me to influence healthcare delivery and improve healthcare at a larger scale. To continue my professional development, I also plan to return to the University of Hertfordshire to pursue a master’s degree in leadership and management which will further my career.'

‘I encourage everyone to be organised and manage their time effectively. Build relationships and get yourself involved in campus life and societies. Also, remember that student support is actively available if you require it, be it emotional, financial or academic help.'

‘Finally, remember to balance your academic, social and personal lives. This will help you develop communication and teamwork skills vital for your future career.'