During my PRCP posting in a geriatric ward, I thought I would primarily sharpen my clinical skills and learn how to manage patients. While I certainly did those things, what I didn’t expect was how much the experience would shape me as both a nursing student and an individual.
 

In the early weeks, I often found myself second-guessing every decision. Prioritising tasks felt overwhelming, and emergencies tested my ability to stay calm and think critically. But what made all the difference were my mentors. They were patient, supportive, and constantly present – not just to correct mistakes, but to guide me with trust and encouragement. Slowly, they started giving me more responsibilities. By the final weeks, I was managing care for up to six patients on my own.
 

One moment which stayed with me happened during a night shift. We were managing a patient with an intestinal obstruction, and I remember watching how my mentor remained calm and compassionate under pressure. I wasn’t just learning clinical steps. I was learning how to be present for someone in pain, how to lead in uncertainty, and how to keep empathy at the centre of everything.
 

That shift changed how I approach complex cases. Later, when I worked in a specialised dementia unit, I drew from that exact experience. I became better at anticipating patient needs, staying composed, and communicating clearly with both patients and their families.
 

This internship wasn’t just about checking off competencies. It was about being mentored in a way that pushed me to grow from learning how to lead and adapt in fast-changing environments, to staying resilient when things got tough. It gave me the space to reflect, to fail safely, and to rise with support.
 

Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I hope to improve my technical abilities and time management. I left with more than I imagined: confidence, clarity, and a deeper sense of purpose. I’m especially grateful to the mentors who believed in me before I fully believed in myself.
 

If you're someone who’s drawn to growth, purpose, and the chance to make a real difference, I hope you find yourself in a place that opens doors the way this internship did for me. It’s not always easy, but it’s deeply worth it.