Hi, my name is Antonio Baldascini and I am a mature nursing student at the University of Roehampton.

As a mature nursing student, returning to school initially felt daunting. However, I soon realised that my life experience and maturity gave me a unique advantage in managing the workload of study, assignments, and clinical practice. My ability to prioritise tasks and stay organised allowed me to perform well in the academic and practical aspects of nursing. During clinical training, my capability to handle stressful situations and communicate effectively with patients and colleagues proved a significant advantage. 

Creating a solid routine is crucial for me when it comes to balancing work, family, and study commitments, particularly being a mature student who needs to wake up early! My day usually starts between 5:45 and 7:00 a.m. After getting ready, I make a cup of tea and have breakfast before walking my dog, Sam. Balancing these commitments can be challenging, however, with a well-planned routine and the support of my family and friends, I can manage my time effectively and meet all my responsibilities. A structured morning routine helps me start the day on the right foot and maintain a sense of order among the chaos. When I return home in the evenings, I either go to the gym or go ice skating for an hour before dinner on university days, or I prepare for the next day and go straight to bed on placement or workdays.

If you work in a hospital, you know how challenging it can be to balance 12-hour shifts and attend classes. Missing even one class means missing crucial information for assignments and exams. I always prioritise attending every class, even though it can be difficult.

Speaking with the people who surround and support us during this journey can be highly beneficial. These people’s encouragement and guidance can help navigate the challenges of nursing school and our future careers. For instance, my family has been a great source of support, helping me with household chores and caring for my dog when I have a busy schedule. My friends and classmates have also been valuable in providing emotional support. 

In the 2023 NSS results, Roehampton’s Nursing degrees received outstanding results, ranking 1st in London, and 1st and 3rd respectively in the sector for Teaching. Find out more here: School of Life and Health Sciences | University of Roehampton, London.