An Interview with Athulya Varghese, Final Year BSc Nursing at New Royal College of Nursing

New Royal College of Nursing (NRCN) established in 2005 is an affiliated college of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) and approved by the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and Karnataka State Nursing Council (KSNC). BSc Nursing is offered for a duration of 4 years under the New Royal College of Nursing course curriculum. NRCN Bengaluru admissions are based on the merit of the student.

Careers360 brings an interview with Athulya Varghese, a final year BSc Nursing student at New Royal College of Nursing. Athulya Varghese shares details about the campus, memorable experiences and the course at NRCN Bengaluru . Go through the interview to learn more about campus life and experiences from a student's perspective.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself. Where are you from? What makes you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Nursing? What do you hope to achieve with BSc Nursing?

Athulya Varghese: I am Athulya Varghese from Kerala, currently pursuing my B.Sc Nursing at New Royal College of Nursing, Bangalore. I joined in 2021 and am now in my 4th year. I chose nursing because I have always wanted to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. A bachelor’s degree equips me with strong theoretical knowledge and essential clinical skills that help me grow both personally and professionally.

My goal is to become a competent and compassionate nurse who can contribute to patient care at a high level. In the future, I aspire to explore specialized nursing or leadership roles and continue learning throughout my career.

Careers360: Presently which course are you pursuing and in which year are you? What has been your most rewarding academic experience thus far?

Athulya Varghese: I am currently pursuing B.Sc Nursing and I’m in my 4th year at New Royal College of Nursing, Bangalore. This journey has been deeply enriching, both academically and personally. Among the many experiences, my clinical postings at Altius Hospital, Kalyan Nagar, stand out as the most rewarding. These postings allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-time healthcare settings, interact directly with patients, and enhance my clinical skills.

Additionally, participating in health awareness programs in rural areas around Bengaluru gave me valuable insights into public health challenges and strengthened my communication and empathy. These outreach experiences helped me understand the broader role of nurses in community care.

Careers360: Tell us about the course curriculum and specializations offered. Is the learning more theory-based or practical-based?

Athulya Varghese: The B.Sc Nursing program at New Royal College of Nursing is affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) and follows the guidelines of the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and Karnataka Nursing Council (KNC). The curriculum is well-structured to balance both theoretical knowledge and practical training.

A compulsory 6-month internship in the final year helps us apply what we've learned in real clinical settings. While theory forms the foundation, the course is highly practical-based. Regular clinical postings, simulation lab sessions, demonstrations, and community visits give students real-world exposure. The college emphasizes hands-on learning, and our access to a multispecialty hospital on campus enhances our training experience. This integration of academics with practice ensures we are industry-ready from the start.

Careers360: Did you face any difficulty in the initial months when you joined the institute?

Athulya Varghese: Yes, the initial months were challenging. Coming from a different state, I had to adjust to a new environment, language, food, and academic structure. The shift from school to a professional nursing setup also brought a steep learning curve. However, the supportive faculty, friendly classmates, and structured orientation helped me adapt quickly. Regular interaction with teachers, mentorship sessions, and group activities made the transition smoother.

Careers360: Since now classes are being held in online mode majorly. Share your experience of online classes with us. What are the challenges of distance learning amid the coronavirus pandemic?

Athulya Varghese: As a post-pandemic batch, I didn’t have extensive exposure to online classes. However, during the third wave of COVID-19, we attended online classes for about a month. Initially, it was difficult to adapt—concentration levels were lower, and technical issues like poor network connectivity disrupted learning.

Careers360: Chalk out the differences you felt between online and offline classes. How stressful is distance learning for you during the COVID-19 pandemic? Which mode of learning do you prefer?

Athulya Varghese: The main difference between online and offline classes was the quality of interaction and practical exposure. Online classes lacked the hands-on training that's essential in nursing. It was harder to focus, ask questions, or connect with teachers and peers. I strongly prefer offline learning, especially in a field like nursing, where practical skills and patient interaction are critical to building confidence and competence.

Careers360: Does the institute provide opportunities to interact with industry stalwarts and people from the corporate world? If yes, share your experience and learnings.

Athulya Varghese: Yes, New Royal College of Nursing provides valuable exposure to the healthcare industry through clinical visits and community health postings. As part of our Community Health Nursing subject, we’ve visited various industries and healthcare setups in Bengaluru. These visits helped us understand real-world health challenges and the functioning of public health systems. We also had opportunities to interact with medical professionals during seminars and hospital postings.

Careers360: What all initiatives are taken by the institute to make the classes and learning more engaging for all students?

Athulya Varghese: Our institute uses a variety of teaching methods to make learning more interactive and student-friendly. Smart boards, projectors, video-assisted lectures, and clinical demonstrations are used regularly in classrooms. Faculty also use models, mannequins, and simulation labs to ensure hands-on learning, especially for practical subjects. Group discussions, case presentations, and role plays are encouraged to improve communication and critical thinking skills. Guest lectures by experienced healthcare professionals offer real-world insights and updates on current practices.

Careers360: What activities are offered in the institute? Are there any clubs, societies, etc. for the various extracurricular activities? Which ones have you taken up and are a part of?

Athulya Varghese: New Royal College of Nursing offers a vibrant blend of academics and extracurricular activities. We have an active Student Nurses’ Association (SNA) that conducts cultural events, competitions, awareness programs, and celebrations like Nurses Day and health observance days. The annual intercollegiate cultural fest “Samskruthi” is a major highlight, encouraging student participation in dance, music, drama, and other creative arts. For sports, we have courts for volleyball, basketball, and facilities for indoor games. I am a member of the SNA committee, where I help organize student events and community outreach activities.

Careers360: Tell us about the faculty-student ratio here and the teacher-student relationship in your understanding.

Athulya Varghese: At New Royal College of Nursing, the faculty-student ratio is well-maintained, ensuring individual attention and support for each student. Teachers are knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in our academic and personal growth. They maintain a friendly and respectful relationship with students, creating a comfortable learning environment

Careers360: Does your college help you get internships? Have you undergone an internship via college? Was there any stipend? Share your internship experience.

Athulya Varghese: Yes, our college provides a 6-month compulsory internship during the 4th year as part of the B.Sc Nursing curriculum. I completed my internship at East Point Medical College Hospital, working across departments like ICU, emergency, and wards. Although no stipend was provided, the experience was incredibly valuable. We performed real-time duties similar to staff nurses, which improved my skills, confidence, and teamwork. One challenge was adjusting to hostel timings while working in shifts.

Careers360: Tell us about the placement drive. Is there a placement cell in your college? Do teachers/seniors help you prepare?

Athulya Varghese: Yes, New Royal College of Nursing has a dedicated placement cell that organizes recruitment drives during our final year. Teachers and seniors play an active role in preparing us for placements. They guide us in drafting professional resumes, conduct mock interviews, and help us understand what recruiters expect.

Careers360: Which companies visit your campus for placements? What are the salary packages offered?

Athulya Varghese: Top hospitals such as Apollo, TATA, Manipal, KIMS, and Columbia Asia regularly visit our campus for recruitment. These institutions offer a range of roles, primarily as staff nurses, and provide excellent platforms for career growth.

Careers360: What all facilities do you have on campus? What do you like most that feels unique?

Athulya Varghese: Our campus is equipped with modern classrooms, nursing labs, a simulation center, computer labs, a central library, and Wi-Fi access. Hostels are secure, with hygienic living spaces and mess facilities. A canteen, transport services, and sports grounds are also available. What I find most unique is the peaceful green environment and the multidisciplinary setup. Being on a campus that includes medical, pharmacy, and allied health sciences helps us collaborate and learn beyond nursing.

Careers360: What about the medical facilities? Can you avail medical attention during emergencies?

Athulya Varghese: Yes, we have excellent medical facilities on campus. The college is located alongside East Point Medical College Hospital, a 1000-bed multispecialty hospital, which provides round-the-clock emergency care. Ambulance services, ICU access, and diagnostic support are always available. Students receive immediate treatment in case of illness or accidents.

Careers360: How do you balance your studies, projects, exams, and other activities?

Athulya Varghese: Balancing everything requires planning and discipline. I follow a structured timetable that allocates specific hours for study, assignments, clinical duties, and breaks. During exams, I prioritize revision and focus more on academics. Regular attendance, participation in practical sessions, and group study also help me stay on track.

Careers360: How comfortable are your hostels and what about cleanliness?

Athulya Varghese: Our hostels are fairly comfortable and have essential amenities like beds, study tables, cupboards, and good ventilation. The rooms are shared by two to four students, depending on the allocation. Cleanliness is well-maintained with daily housekeeping, regular waste disposal, and clean bathrooms. Laundry and purified water are available. However, some challenges exist, especially for nursing students due to stricter hostel rules compared to others, which can be inconvenient. Despite that, the hostel feels safe, and efforts are taken to maintain hygiene and provide a peaceful environment for studying.

Careers360: What are the popular hangouts on campus? What nearby places do you visit most?

Athulya Varghese: On campus, students often gather around the canteen, garden spaces, and shaded seating areas between classes. Off-campus, we visit nearby areas like Kammanahalli and Indiranagar, known for Kerala restaurants, cafes, and shopping options.

Disclaimer: This content was distributed by New Royal College of Nursing and has been published as part of Careers360’s marketing initiative.