Case Study

Before university, I was working for Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust as a support worker. I had always wanted to become a nurse but had to postpone going to university after starting a family. After several years working in the NHS, I decided it was the right time for me to go back into education, so enrolled onto a course at Gateshead College before applying to university. This was the best thing for me to do, as it prepared me for the academic requirements and essay writing style I’d need to succeed in my nursing degree.

I chose the University of Sunderland because the course at Gateshead College was delivered by the University and it had excellent provision and great support and guidance. Another benefit was that Sunderland offer clinical placements near my home, which suited my home and work life balance.

The BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Practice course is taught by academics who have come from a range of backgrounds and have worked in various specialities, and their unique skills help you progress in your learning. I find having a personal clinical link tutor to help guide and assist with any issues that may rise during your time on placement really helpful. There are also weekly group sessions on placement where you can discuss any difficulties that you might be having. I find the simulation sessions and practical workshops very rewarding and the skills we learn can be transferred into our clinical placement, to help facilitate meeting the competencies in the Practice Assessment Document.

I would definitely recommend the University of Sunderland to other students. They offer a range of support to all students, which is great as an adult learner who has been out of education for a while. If I had to give any advice to someone thinking about becoming a nurse, I’d say the nursing degree here is a great course to be part of if that’s your career goal. However, you need to be aware of the hard work and dedication that it requires if you want to succeed. At the end of every year it's one of the most rewarding feelings knowing all the hard work and dedication you've put in has been noticed.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have entered practice early to help out during this difficult time and have opted into the emergency register to be an Aspire Nurse to complete my nursing degree. My time at Sunderland has been a rollercoaster of emotions; challenging, rewarding, and I've gained a real sense of achievement.”

Published 1 May 2020