What made you choose Nursing at Católica?

I knew I was very interested in healthcare, and I have always been an empathetic person who cares deeply about others. Throughout the course, I became increasingly certain that this is what I truly want to do in the future. I chose Universidade Católica Portuguesa because it is a highly prestigious institution, recognised for the quality of its teaching. I was also particularly drawn to its strong practical and placement component from the very first year. I believe that makes all the difference to both personal and professional development throughout the degree.

 

How would you describe your experience throughout the degree?

Challenging, but rewarding. Not everything was easy, but the passion I developed for nursing helped me greatly along the way. Clinical placements also played a very important role. In addition, I was fortunate to meet incredible people throughout this journey. Today, I look back with a smile, feeling very happy and proud of everything I have experienced, learned and achieved over these years.

 

“Placements require us to think, reflect and act more independently.”

 

Which placement and experiences had the greatest impact on you?

The mental health placement had a profound impact on me. It was a setting where I learned the importance of being present, listening and understanding others without judgement. It is an area that showed me the enormous human impact nursing can have, as well as its role in challenging the stigma associated with mental illness. Nursing goes far beyond technical skills. Every patient is different and requires an individual approach. Placements require us to think, reflect and act more independently. I also learned how to cope better with pressure, unexpected situations and prioritisation—skills that only practical experience can truly teach.

 

What are the most challenging aspects of Nursing education?

It is emotionally very demanding. It is not always easy to deal with suffering, illness, people’s vulnerability and, in some situations, even death. The level of responsibility we feel as students is significant because, although we are still learning, we are already working within real healthcare settings and feel the weight of directly contributing to someone’s health and well-being.

 

Where did the desire to create content for social media come from, and how do you manage to balance it with your Nursing degree?

It came from a desire to show the reality of the course in a more transparent and genuine way. I wanted to create a space where I could share real experiences, learning opportunities, challenges, and even support or guide people who are considering a career in nursing. I only started taking content creation more seriously this year, but it remains something I do mainly because I enjoy it. It is not always easy to balance it with nursing because time is limited. There is much more work involved than people might think, from planning content to filming and editing. Good time management and a bit of flexibility are essential to maintain a balance between the two.

 

“Every patient is different and requires an individual approach.”

 

Is there a particular area of Nursing that fascinates you?

Surgery has always been an area of particular interest to me. During my surgical placement, I had the opportunity to spend two days in the operating theatre and observe three surgical procedures. It was a truly fascinating experience, although I have not yet made a final decision. In surgery, there is not as much direct contact with patients, and I greatly value close relationships, communication and supporting individuals throughout their care journey.

 

What are your plans for the future?

My plans for the future involve completing my degree with a solid foundation of knowledge, skills and confidence as a future nursing professional. I want to enter the job market and begin gaining practical experience. Afterwards, I would like to continue developing professionally and pursue a specialisation in the area that I identify with most.

 

What advice would you give to a young person interested in pursuing Nursing?

I would tell them to approach the course with an open mind and an awareness that it is highly demanding, both academically and emotionally, but also extremely rewarding. It is important to be prepared for challenges and for periods when everything seems more difficult, but also for tremendous personal growth. Nursing changes you profoundly throughout the journey. I would also encourage them to make the most of every placement opportunity, because these experiences are what truly connect us with the reality of the profession. Above all, never lose sight of the human side of nursing, because that is what truly makes the difference. More than a technical profession, nursing is about care and empathy.