16TH MAR 2023

Healthcare Focus: Getting into Nursing

We recently caught up with three of our L3 Health and Social Care alumni who went onto study at university and are now working as nurses in various settings.

Why should I study a Health and Social Care course?

If you want to make a positive difference to people’s lives, then nursing can be a hugely rewarding area that you can be proud to work in.

ZOE HOUT: SCHOOL-AGED IMMUNISATION NURSE

"I’m a school-aged immunisation nurse. I enjoy working with children and being able to support them through their vaccination. I also enjoy being a part of the prevention side of nursing and making a difference in young people’s lives.

"My college course helped me get to where I am today, and the teachers also supported me when deciding what my next step would be. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. My favourite things I learnt were in Anatomy and Physiology, which made me aware of my interest in the science behind nursing. It gave me a head start to understanding parts of health and social care before doing my nursing degree.

"Nursing is such a rewarding job, and I would recommend it to anyone. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Being a nurse is not just an occupation, it is a part of your personality."

IMMI MATTY: PALLIATIVE CARE NURSE AT SUE RYDER HOSPICE

"I would recommend health and social care for those aspiring to become nurses! I am glad I took this route rather than A Levels as the modules were relevant in my university learning. I would also recommend adult nursing as a job; it can be very tough but is also very rewarding.

"After college I completed an Adult Nursing degree at De Montfort University. Since, I have worked on a renal ward in Gloucester Royal Hospital, and now I work at Sue Ryder Hospice specialising in palliative and end of life care, which I am very passionate about. I love that I can make people comfortable and give wonderful care in the last stages of life. The gratitude from patients and family is extremely rewarding.

"At college I enjoyed the anatomy modules the most. My first college placement was working with SEN Children. My second was at a care home working with adults with dementia. Both placements gave me a great starting point for working in care, as I had no work experience prior to that."

IMMY BOULTON: SURGICAL NURSE

"After college I completed an adult nursing degree at De Montfort university. My favourite things to learn at college were the anatomy, which really helped me when I went to university.

"I love my job as a surgical nurse. I work with patients under the specialities of urology, gynae and colorectal. Seeing people get better and then go home is amazing. I had college placements at a nursing home and a school for children with disabilities.

"I’d recommend the course if you’re looking for a nursing career as the placements gave me lots of knowledge that helped when I went to university, as well as the assignments that prepared me for the academic work at university."