Teaching and Learning
Promoting Student Wellbeing and Transitional Success in Nursing Education
Dr Angie Lam Ho-yan | Senior Lecturer|Chair, Student Affairs and Support
Student well-being is essential for academic success and personal growth. As students enter our nursing programme, they encounter not only the new challenge of university life but also the transition from adolescence to adulthood, which involves embracing independence, shaping their identities, and managing complex relationships.
While this developmental period can be rife with stress and anxiety, it also presents unique opportunities for self-discovery, allowing students to establish their individuality, values, and life goals. Our Student Affairs and Support team has therefore developed a series of initiatives to facilitate students’ transition to young adulthood and their positive self-discovery.
For first-year students, the “Your Coach@HKUSON” programme links them with teachers in a mentoring relationship that goes beyond academics. Teachers provide guidance, support, and encouragement to help students navigate their school life with confidence. Moreover, the new “Peer Buddies Program” connects senior students to their junior counterparts. This initiative not only promotes a sense of community but also facilitates knowledge sharing and peer learning, enhancing the overall learning experience.
A different approach is needed as students advance to Year 3 and begin their nursing practice in high-pressure clinical settings. We focus on providing students with tools to manage stress and navigate uncertain situations in their clinical learning. My previous research suggests that integrating mindfulness-based interventions with peer-assisted clinical learning can provide valuable insights and help students during that transition. Therefore, we plan to introduce mindfulness-based interventions into clinical learning. In addition, we have been inviting alumni to Brown Bag sessions to share their real-world experiences and clinical insights with students. These interactions offer students a glimpse into their future careers, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Our Year 1 to 5 Year Coordinators all play a key role in student wellness. Their dedication and unwavering support ensure that each student receives personalised attention, fostering a nurturing environment where they can thrive. The School is committed to advancing our teachers’ skills in addressing student psychological wellbeing. We offer workshops on counselling skills and communications so our educators can feel empowered to respond effectively and proactively to students’ needs, and provide mental health support.
The School believes that by cultivating a supportive school culture and placing student well-being at the forefront, we can help each student to develop personal growth and academic success. Our aim is to inspire students to not only embrace nursing and career development, but empower them to become well-rounded individuals who make an impact in the wider world.
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