An Interview with Jeena Thomas, Alumnus, New Royal College of Nursing, Bengaluru

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

Careers360 brings an interview with Jeena Thomas, a BSc Nursing alumni of New Royal College of Nursing. Jeena Thomas shares details about her career progression, memorable experiences, and the course pursued at NRCN Bengaluru . Go through the interview to learn more about alumni’s campus life and experiences.

Careers360: Tell us about your domain and work profile. Did you pursue the same field of interest professionally?
Jeena Thomas: Yes, I’ve continued in the same field I studied—nursing. After completing my B.Sc. Nursing from New Royal College of Nursing, I joined a multispecialty hospital as a registered staff nurse. I work closely with a team of doctors and nurses in the critical care unit, attending to patients with acute medical needs. The knowledge I gained at NRCN, especially through clinical rotations and simulation labs, prepared me well for this role. I’ve always been passionate about healthcare and making a difference in people’s lives, so I’m proud to have remained in this profession. The curriculum at NRCN didn’t just prepare me academically, it instilled a deep sense of empathy, responsibility, and patient care ethics. The seamless transition from classroom learning to real-world clinical work has allowed me to grow confidently in my chosen path.

Careers360: Can you briefly tell us about your career path so far?

Jeena Thomas: After completing my B.Sc. Nursing from New Royal College of Nursing, I began my career at a reputed multispecialty hospital. Initially, I worked in the general medical-surgical ward, where I focused on foundational patient care and improving my clinical skills. Over time, I moved to the ICU, which demanded sharper decision-making and advanced procedures. With experience, I also took on mentoring responsibilities for new nurses and interns. The journey has been enriching—I’ve grown from a fresh graduate into a confident healthcare professional. I continue to upskill myself through workshops, certifications, and hands-on learning. Each phase of my career has been supported by the strong foundation laid during my college years.

Careers360: Is the industry work different from what you learnt at New Royal College of Nursing?

Jeena Thomas: Yes and no. The fundamentals, ethics, and clinical skills taught at NRCN are very much applicable in my daily work. However, real-world hospital environments often require quicker decision-making, managing unpredictable situations, and working under pressure. Unlike the controlled setting of skill labs, real patients present unique challenges. One major difference is the emotional resilience required on the job—something you learn only with experience. Still, the confidence, critical thinking, and practical exposure I gained at NRCN helped ease that transition and prepared me for what lay ahead.

Careers360: How do you think your time in college has added value to your life, both professional and personal?

Jeena Thomas: My time at New Royal College of Nursing shaped me into who I am today. Professionally, it gave me a strong base in clinical knowledge, procedures, patient care, and communication skills. The clinical postings at East Point Medical College Hospital were incredibly valuable in preparing me for real hospital settings. Personally, college life taught me discipline, empathy, and resilience. I learned how to manage time, work in a team, and face challenges with confidence. The friendships, faculty support, and shared experiences also enriched my personal life. It was a period of growth and self-discovery.

Careers360: What was your initial thought process when you joined New Royal College of Nursing?

Jeena Thomas: When I first joined New Royal College of Nursing, I was both excited and anxious. Being away from home and entering a professional healthcare course felt overwhelming at first. I wasn’t sure how I would handle the pressure of academics, clinical training, and adapting to a new environment. However, I was also determined to build a meaningful career in nursing. NRCN’s reputation, experienced faculty, and strong clinical affiliations, especially with East Point Medical College Hospital, reassured me that I had made the right choice. Within a few weeks, I began to feel comfortable thanks to the supportive atmosphere, friendly peers, and approachable mentors. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I made.

Careers360: Do you miss being a part of East Point? Share a few good memories.

Jeena Thomas: Absolutely! I often find myself missing the campus, my friends, and those unforgettable clinical postings. One of my favourite memories is from our community health rotation in a rural area—we interacted with local residents and conducted awareness sessions, which made me feel proud of choosing nursing. I also fondly remember the Onam and Christmas celebrations, Samskruthi cultural fest, and those late-night group study sessions. The hostel fun, shared meals, and birthday surprises are memories I’ll always cherish. These moments built strong bonds and taught me how to balance hard work with joy.

Careers360: Briefly take us through your life at the campus, the activities you used to do, and your routine life.

Jeena Thomas: Campus life at NRCN was a blend of learning, discipline, and memorable experiences. Our day started early with clinical postings or lectures, followed by assignments, library hours, or lab sessions. Afternoons were usually packed with theory classes, and evenings were reserved for self-study or recreational activities. During our free time, we enjoyed chatting in the canteen, planning events, or rehearsing for college functions. Being on a multidisciplinary campus with other health science departments allowed us to interact with students from various streams, broadening our perspectives. Overall, it was a structured but vibrant environment that helped us grow professionally and personally.

Careers360: Apart from academics, what were the other activities you were involved in and how did it enrich your life?

Jeena Thomas: Besides academics, I actively participated in various extracurricular activities such as cultural events, dance performances, cooking competitions, and college fests like Samskruthi. I was also part of organizing committees during health awareness drives and celebrations. These experiences helped me develop confidence, leadership, and time management skills. Participating in such events gave me a break from the rigorous academic routine and allowed me to express my creativity. It also improved my communication skills, made me a better team player, and taught me how to adapt to different roles and responsibilities—skills that have proven invaluable in my nursing profession.

Careers360: How did you keep updated with the industrial requirements and what was the role of the institute in it?

Jeena Thomas: Our institute ensured we stayed updated with current healthcare trends and industry demands. Regular hospital internships, guest lectures from medical professionals, workshops, and seminars exposed us to real-world practices. We also had access to journals, e-resources, and discussions on the latest clinical procedures and protocols. New Royal College of Nursing emphasized practical exposure through its tie-ups with leading hospitals. This hands-on experience, coupled with academic learning, helped us understand industry expectations and prepare accordingly. The faculty often encouraged us to attend external conferences and participate in skill-based competitions, which widened our knowledge base and kept us industry-ready.

Careers360: As a proud alumna, what’s the best part of East Point College of Nursing from a student’s perspective?
Jeena Thomas: The best part of studying at East Point College of Nursing is the balance it maintains between academic rigor and practical exposure. The college offers a nurturing environment with excellent faculty support, well-equipped labs, and real-time clinical learning at East Point Medical College Hospital. It doesn’t just prepare students for exams but for the demands of real-world nursing. The sense of community, opportunities for leadership, cultural activities, and encouragement for innovation made my experience truly holistic. The college fosters both professional competence and personal growth, which I believe sets it apart from many other institutions.

Careers360: What is your message to aspiring B.Sc Nursing students?

Jeena Thomas: My message to aspiring B.Sc Nursing students is simple—nursing is more than a profession; it's a calling that requires compassion, dedication, and resilience. Embrace the learning process, ask questions, and never hesitate to seek help when needed. Make the most of clinical postings—they shape your confidence and understanding of patient care. Stay updated, be ethical, and nurture empathy in every interaction.

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