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Case Study

Hannah Scrafton

BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Practice


Hannah Scrafton had always wanted to become a nurse, but after completing a Health and Social Care course at college, she didn’t feel the time was right to go to university, so began working as a dental nurse. A decision to quit her job two years later and return to university has led Hannah to the frontline of the NHS by successfully securing a position at City Hospitals Sunderland before she has even graduated – one of the first on her course to do so.

When I saw that Sunderland was launching a new nursing course I leapt at the chance to apply. It was close to home, many of my friends had studied there, and I felt ready to go to university, so it was ideal.  After two years in the dental industry, I’d also felt I’d gained enough experience with patients to be confident to train to become a nurse. It’s one of the most satisfying jobs and makes you feel great to help people when they're at their most vulnerable.

They were such a great team at Sunderland's emergency department – I enjoyed how busy it was and learned so much from the staff. You never knew what was going to come through the doors, and that’s what made it so interesting. So I’m delighted to now become part of that team when I finish my course.

There was so much confidence-building from the very beginning of my studies, and any concerns we had were taken on board and addressed – you really felt looked after. The facilities were so the state-of-the-art that they helped prepare you for the real world. I’d advise any student nurse about to begin their course to take every placement they can get, as it helps you to become a more rounded individual."

Published 14 June 2019

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