Keeping Abreast of the Future of Nursing 

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world especially the nursing industry. We invited Associate Professor Jacqueline Bloomfield, Director- Offshore Programs (Singapore), Sydney Nursing School to share how the pandemic has changed the future of nursing and the skills required to ace a nursing career.

What are your views on the changing landscape in healthcare given the current pandemic and how has it impacted the type of skills required for nursing?

The pandemic has impacted nursing considerably. Nurses have always been at the forefront of health care but never before have they been more visible. The current pandemic has heightened the public's awareness of nurses and the work they do. The skills required for Nursing haven't changed, however, resilience, flexibility, personal coping, and the ability to work under pressure has become more important.

How does the University maintain the quality of teaching during these unprecedented times and keep abreast of the latest nursing trends?

The University of Sydney prides itself on its international reputation for high-quality teaching, and this has not changed because of the pandemic. Academics have, however, been required to embrace technology like never before, and to use innovation and creativity to ensure student engagement and interest. Academic and teaching standards have been maintained throughout these unprecedented times through new ways of working. The support of colleagues, technical staff and educational designers have also been key to maintaining teaching quality. Keeping abreast of changes in nursing has not been difficult due to the many webinars, online conferences and networking opportunities that have become available.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that nursing students face during this pandemic and how can they can overcome it?

I have been so impressed and proud of my students in Singapore and how they have overcome the challenges they've faced during the pandemic. They have had to deal with the stress and uncertainties that the pandemic has imposed on their everyday life, and that of their families, including personal safety fears and concerns. As nurses, many of them are at the frontline of the health crisis. These nurses have been caring for patients with COVID-19. Staff illness, staff shortages, and quarantine requirements have meant many of them have had to work extra shifts, and the effects of this on work-life balance has been profound.

In addition to this, these nurses have been studying for their degree, which has required them to adapt to online learning. Personal resilience, coping and adaptation have been key!

Any word of advice to students who are carving a career path in the nursing industry?

For those students carving a career in the nursing profession, I would say: “What you get out of a nursing career will reflect what you put into it. Give it your best, care for patients with compassion and critical thought and never stop learning.”

2021 University of Sydney Nursing Studies Support Fund

The University will introduce a special 2021 Nursing Studies Support Fund, to support nurses in their quest to deepen their skills and knowledge. Nurses who commence their studies for the nursing degree at SIM in 2021 will get 10% off total course fees (T&Cs apply).

Click here to learn more about the programmes awarded by the University of Sydney.


Posted online, 27 May 2021