Nurse Prasad eyes MBBS spot

To be a nurse was never on Anjali Prasad’s career list.

She wanted to pursue Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS); however, but she was five marks short.

The 23-year-old never lost hope; she completed the Foundation programme in the hope of making it for MBBS; however, mid-year, the COVID-19 pandemic struck and due to a hold on medical intakes, she diverted to nursing.

Ms Prasad finally graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Science (Honours) from the University of Fiji’s Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Science (UPSM) on Friday.

“Since I had financial difficulties during that time, I could not even afford to be a private student; as it is, it was already tough for me to collect fees for my foundation units,” Ms Prasad said.

“I had to choose something else since I had done the foundation studies – I wanted to work in healthcare. My next option was nursing, later I can switch to medical.”

She added that not being able to get a place in medical school had disappointed her parents, as nursing wasn’t seen as one of the high-end jobs.

“My sisters encouraged me and tried to explain and show my parents the beauty of nursing. My parents then accepted it, and helped me financially.”

Ms Prasad had attended Nadi Primary School then to Sangam SKM College.

Her message to the young woman out there: “You can do it all! This nursing journey has been a roller coaster ride for me, from selling produce on the roadside to pay my fees to coping with online classes, managing housework, holiday jobs and studies, to moving to Suva for my clinical(s) then to finally graduate with my degree is all worth it.

“It was all about learning and experiencing life, making wise decisions and setting priorities right. When life closes one door, there’s a window open. Instead of self-pitying and crying on the closed door, focus on the open window – it will lead to the key to many more doors (opportunities).

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