Case Study

“Before starting my mental health nursing degree, I was working as a 999 and NHS 111 call handler in the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS). This was my first job in healthcare, and I loved it, but I wanted to get out of the call centre and get more involved in face-to-face patient care. There are several nurses and support workers in my family so I knew from speaking to them that nursing is a career where you can make a real difference.

I chose to study on the BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing Practice course as some of my favourite calls to take while working at NEAS were from those with mental health issues – I gained a lot of job satisfaction in being able to speak to people at their lowest and reassure them that help was available.

I was drawn to the University of Sunderland by the fantastic facilities available at Helen McArdle House, as well as the course’s high position in several university league tables. During my time on the course so far, I’ve experienced a range of fantastic clinical placements, all of which I’ve enjoyed and learned from. One of the best parts of the teaching at the University has got to be the simulation sessions as they allow us to immerse ourselves in different scenarios, helping us to think like nurses. The Nursing lecturers have a lot of clinical experience themselves, which they draw on to relate their teaching back to practice.

I’m now in my third and final year, and once I’ve qualified, I’d like to work on an adult mental health ward. Studying for this degree has been hard work from the start, but I’ve also had loads of fun, learned a lot, and made memories I’ll never forget. If you’re considering studying at Sunderland, I’d definitely recommend coming to an Open Day to look round the campus, see the nursing facilities, and speak to staff and students about what to expect.”

Published 17 January 2025