Hana Musilova (Hanicka)

My career journey... 

I am originally from the Czech Republic where I helped with fundraising for much needed aid, I hadn’t considered a career in nursing at all.  

When I moved to the UK, I found the educational system to be very different, I enrolled in college to get Maths and English GCSEs, mainly to better understand what my children needed to learn. Whilst at college, many students spoke about starting university courses, it was only then I became aware that I had the option to do this too as a mature student. I attended many open days at the University of Chester where mental health nursing captivated my attention. I learnt about the option to enrol into the Integrated Master’s course and thought learning disability would complement mental health very well. 

It is amazing how my perspective of what I would like to do when I qualify has changed since I started the course. This is down to the many interesting and varied experiences during my placements so far. The start was a bit rocky – my vocabulary was fairly limited so when my practice assessor on my first ward asked me to fetch a pan – I ran to the kitchen! Three years later - I am enjoying my nursing journey, I have met so many inspirational colleagues in practice and at university. 

In my second year I became a student voice representative and was voted department representative for all nursing students last September. I work with the university to provide feedback and influence changes to improve student experience. It is an amazing experience which helps me develop personally – my improved diplomatic skills are extremely handy when negotiating with my two teenage children! I am very proud to be part of an institution where student voice is listened to and where there is so many opportunities: I am a co-chair of a Student Empowerment Group, I am a PRN Programme committee member, I was a member of midwifery revalidation approval panel, I have contributed to a project on developing a proficiency handbook which was shortlisted for Student Nursing Times Award last year, and I was nominated this year in the category for Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs. 

About me: 

My spare time... 

In my spare time I do enjoy playing beach and indoor volleyball - I helped to set up in my area and until recently was a junior team coach. I also volunteer as an Independent Visitor for Change Grow Live. It’s a wonderful opportunity to visit a child in care, support them and learn new skills – I am now an ice-skater who manages to stay up right on ice for an hour!   

I do enjoy walks and nature it helps me to switch off and clear my head. We adopted a rescue dog called JoJo three years ago who is a grateful walking buddy. There are many pressures - especially on single parents like myself; not only with the recent cost of living crisis, but also on placements which can present very emotional experiences. JoJo is the best medicine after a tough day on the ward – he lifts my spirits up as soon as I open the door, but it is the walk that helps me process the challenges of the day and switch into mummy mode. I also enjoy cooking – especially with my kids. It provides a natural time to catch up and we have a lovely meal at the end.   

My advice for someone wanting to take a similar career path... 

To anyone who is thinking to train as a nurse – I would recommend going to a few university open days and to ask questions you may have. There are always students who will tell you exactly how it is. I would also say don’t doubt yourself. You may think you know nothing and have no experience – but there are so many skills you already have which are crucial in nursing such as: communication skills, empathy, time keeping, teamwork and organisational skills. Once you are enrolled on the course - I would strongly encourage using all the academic study skills support at university – it helped me immensely with assignments. I had never produced a piece of academic writing before I started my course, but with the help of one-to-one tutoring sessions I am now a much more confident academic writer. I still book sessions before I hand my assignments in – especially because English is my second language.