Confessions of a Nursing Student

My name is Mahnaz, and I am currently in the third year of my nursing studies at Savonia University of Applied Sciences. I started my journey in Finland two years ago, arriving three weeks late for my studies. Even though I had a late start, the teachers were incredibly understanding and supportive, which made the adjustment much easier.

Before coming to Finland, I worked as a surgical nurse for six years. I already had a lot of practical experience, but I knew that to take my career further, I needed formal education. The decision to study nursing at Savonia was a big step, and I am so glad I made it.

The teaching system here is really thorough, and the methods are very modern. I am especially amazed by the skill labs where we practice nursing techniques. These labs are hands-on, and the pace of learning is perfect for building both confidence and competence.

One of the things I expected from Savonia was a high-quality, stress-free learning environment, and I can honestly say that the university has met all my expectations. The building is modern and welcoming, and the professors really care about helping us succeed. The nursing program is comprehensive, and it’s designed in a way that encourages us to grow both academically and personally.

However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding an internship placement. The Jobiili website, which is meant to help English-speaking students find internships, caused a lot of stress among us in the beginning. We all struggled to find placements, and it felt like we were running out of time. But I didn’t give up. For my first internship, I went door to door, speaking to nursing homes and healthcare providers until I found the right place. Now, after two years, my Finnish skills have improved so much that I am able to do my internships in Finnish, which is a huge achievement!

Living in Finland has been an incredible experience. Finland is a beautiful, safe, and calm country, and I am so glad I chose to study here. The winters are long, but I don’t mind the cold. The only challenge for me has been the darkness in November and December — it can be tough to handle. But when summer arrives, the bright and refreshing days make up for it.

In addition to my studies, I’ve been working at KYS Hospital, and this summer I managed to get my medication licenses, which was a big achievement, especially since I don’t speak fluent Finnish yet. I am so proud of how far I’ve come.

As I look toward the future, I definitely plan to continue working in Finland after graduation. I hope to find a stable job in healthcare, and with the skills I’ve gained here at Savonia, I feel confident that I will succeed.

To future students, my advice is to be patient and persistent. Nothing is perfect, and there will always be challenges, but it’s important to focus on the positives. Being a nursing student requires sacrifice and patience, but if you believe in yourself, you will make it happen. Savonia offers a great learning environment, and if you put in the effort, you’ll succeed.

– Mahnaz

The decision to study nursing at Savonia was a big step, and I am so glad I made it.