Katherine Davidson

Bachelor of Science (Hons) Mental Health Nursing

Mayo

Where are you from?

I am from Lahardane, a village located between Ballina and Castlebar in Co. Mayo. I attend ATU Castlebar, and I am studying Psychiatric Nursing, currently in my second year.

Tell us a little about yourself. What led you to choose your course?

My background is in childcare, I did a level 5 in childcare when I left school and worked in a variety of settings with all ages ever since. I always liked the idea of nursing, helping people, but I loved childcare more at the time. After COVID, all the lockdowns and being off work, I realised how short life is, and time is going so fast. 

After talking to my sister, she encouraged me to look into nursing and make the change; she was and still is my biggest supporter. I applied for a pre-nursing course and worked hard to get the distinctions needed to apply for the nursing course through the CAO.  I was so lucky I got my first choice, which was ATU Castlebar.

I can’t believe how fast the time has gone, it feels like only yesterday I was looking into it, now I am nearly finished my second year. I was very hesitant going back to college, going back as a mature student especially, but I really feel my life experience has stood to me, and everyone is in the same boat starting in first year, regardless of age.

Tell us why you chose ATU?

I chose ATU for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it is about a 30-minute drive for me, I wanted to stay as close to home as possible; I’m a homebird. I also attended the open day and spoke to students here, and their experiences. I found the idea of a smaller campus, smaller lectures very appealing, and I enjoyed hearing students’ personal experiences.

What do you like about life in your campus location?

I really like the smaller lectures; I think I would get lost in a big class of hundreds. I like Castlebar itself, I feel there is lots to offer students of every age. There are so many places to eat, activities to do; Lough Lannagh is a beautiful walk, and just across the road. 

What advice would you give to a student thinking about coming to ATU?

Definitely talk to other students, find out their experiences. Never be afraid to take a step out of your comfort zone, I’m so happy I did.

What do/did you enjoy most about your course?

I enjoy the lectures, the friends I’ve made in my course. We are all there to help and support each other. The lecturers know us all by name and are always there for support. I enjoy the practical side; the clinical skills are so interesting, and we get lots of practice in the skills lab. I mostly enjoy the placement blocks; getting to put into practice what we’ve learnt, speaking to nurses working in this area, and meeting people and feeling like you are making a difference in their lives.

If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice/information would you give them?

Go to the open day, talk to students, and find out firsthand their experiences. Go in with an open mind, especially on placements, and ask all the questions. I learned so much just asking the questions, and the nurses are happy to share their knowledge.  Talk to lecturers and use every resource the college has to offer. 

If you are/were involved in sport, volunteering, working or have other passions you pursue outside of your academic life, can you tell us about that?

I’m not sporty at all, but I love going for walks with my dog, and growing up, I would be found with my head in a book, and that hasn’t changed. I try to go to local yoga classes, I find them so helpful to help switch off and just be in the moment, the breathing techniques are so helpful in exam season when everything feels like it is piling up!

What are your plans after graduating?

I would love to work in CAMHS area, that has been my favourite placement so far. At the moment, I don’t have any plans to go further with my studies, but I also didn’t think I’d go back as a mature student, so never say never!