Inside the Mind of a Student Leader; An Exclusive Interview
Introduction
Student leadership plays a vital role in shaping university life. Mastermind Medics Tv (MTv) recently sat down with the newly elected Chairperson of the Nairobi University Nursing Students Association(NUNSA) to discuss his vision, priorities, and plans for improving nursing practice and student welfare.
Our guest was Joshua Kipsambu, the Chairperson-elect of the Nairobi University Nursing Students Association(NUNSA). Elected to represent the interests of nursing students, he brings fresh ideas and a commitment to strengthening student welfare, academic excellence, and professional development. In this interview, we discuss his priorities, and vision for the association.
The Interview
Leadership and Vision
What is your vision for NUNSA?
My vision for NUNSA is to help transform it into a career competent association. We’ve had challenges connecting the theoretical aspect of nursing practice and actual clinical implementation. I’ve collected testimonials across all the cohorts and it came to my attention that most of the students are not able to do the hands on job like doing procedures.
What priorities would you address in your first 100 days?
For the first 100 days I wish to lobby for acquisition of a clinical instructor, we are also planning to revamp our research club to be friendly for year one entry , we want students to start working on research as early as year 1. In 4th year, research takes bulk of the year’s coursework so I want them to be prepared early and have an easy time in 4th year.
Academic Affairs
What are the biggest challenges faced by nursing students?
Most nursing students are facing a challenge in preparing for exams.Over the last few years we’ve registered many supplementary exams and retakes.
How do you plan to tackle this challenge?
To address this, we want to update the existing online revision materials , we also want to approach Kenya Students and Novice Nurses(KESSNUR) for a partnership with lecturio at a subsidized rate , the funds we will acquire through the alumni association and other affiliate partners, will be available to all nursing students for free so that they can have access to premium revision materials.
Clinical Training
What are the major challenges that affect clinical training and your plan for tackling them?
The challenges facing clinical training is lack of instructors to teach those skills in person with the real patients. The nurses at the hospitals sometimes are impatient with the nursing students so if we get a clinical instructor we will be at a better position. Additionally, with the increased cases of absconding clinicals , a clinical instructor who will be around the hospital throughout, that is bound to reduce significantly.
Personal Questions
What motivates you and why should students trust you in this position?
I stood up to this position out of conviction. I wish to make a real difference in NUNSA. I was driven by the urge to address challenges I’ve faced and those that affect all nursing students .I want us to come out of this place , competent, and ready for the job market and be the best there is.
One promise you are confident you will deliver?
My promise to all nursing students who trusted me with this position, I won’t fail you . I’ll do all it takes to the best of my ability to find solutions to these issues together with the council you elected altogether.
MTv thanks the chairperson elect for taking time to share his vision and wishes him well as he undertakes his duties.
Stay tuned for more interviews highlighting the voices shaping our university community.
