FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences’ (CMNHS) Nursing students during a class.

Nursing is one of the most professionally, personally, and spiritually rewarding careers there is. Nurses make up more than half of all health care professionals in Fiji and have a vital role in how health actions are organised and applied, both at the front-line and at managerial levels, says Fiji National University (FNU) academic Talica Lewanavanua.

It is also the nurse who works directly with patients to ensure their needs are being carefully met with every interaction, she said. Lewanavanua, who is the Acting Head of School Nursing at FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences’ (CMNHS), said nurses were at the forefront of proving high quality and respectful treatment and care, including in times of epidemics and pandemics.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of the vital role nurses play. Without nurses and other health workers, we will not win the battle against outbreaks,” Lewanavanua said.

“FNU is proud to train skilled health professionals such as nurses, who are playing a crucial role in helping keep communities safe and healthy.”

“Nurses are often the first – and sometimes the only – health professional that people engage with when people visit health facilities and the quality of their initial assessment, care and treatment are vital.”

“We are living today in times that reaffirm why our nurses have answered the call to become nurses. This is a time when their education, skills, and competencies are essential.”

Bachelor of Nursing Year 3 student Isabella Vuniwai said her Nursing career became a reality when she first enrolled at the College in 2017.

Vuniwai had undertaken the Certificate IV in Enrolled Nursing programme and graduated a year later.

“When it came time to choose a career path, I used my love for people, love for science and nursing, and desire to help others to inform my decision and nursing seemed like the clear choice,” she said.

Vuniwai then worked as an Enrolled Nurse as part of a team that contributed to care planning and delivered nursing care in community and hospital settings.

“I then decided to return to CMNHS to academically work towards my aim of becoming a Registered Nurse,” Vuniwai shared.

“I was excited when I received my offer letter in 2019 to pursue the Bachelor of Nursing course and I am on the final lap of my studies before I graduate this year.”

“I absolutely love the comradery and culture of the School of Nursing. It has been a huge blessing to be surrounded by such an encouraging, compassionate, driven, and supportive group of people with the same goal of helping people.”

“After graduating, I hope to begin my career at one of the major hospitals where I can gain experience and build a solid foundation for my skills and knowledge as a nurse. Ultimately, I would like to work in an operating room.”

The CMNHS School of Nursing offers studies in the profession at Certificate, Bachelor’s, Postgraduate, Masters and PhD levels of qualification for local and regional students.

Admission for Semester 1, Quarter 1 and Trimester 1, 2022 is currently underway and interested students can apply via Admission Application portal on the FNU website. Click on https://www.fnu.ac.fj/study/apply/ to apply.

Students who aspire to study at the College (CMNHS) are encouraged to submit their applications at the earliest as the applications for the College programmes closes on Tuesday, 30 November 2021.

Prospective students can also text on 857 or email on admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further information on admission.