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A career that begins with care: Sarah’s nursing journey

Guest posts

Faculty: Health, Medicine and Social Care
School: School of Nursing and Midwifery
Course: BSc (Hons) Nursing - Child
Category: Nursing and midwifery

30 November 2016

Sarah

Child Nursing student Sarah blogs about her reasons for returning to study - and preparing for a new career - now that her children are growing up.

I have been a mum for over 23 years now, and have loved every minute of it. I have four children and I was there for them from the day they were born. But as they got older and more independent, I started to think about what I would do in the future in terms of employment. I knew that I wanted a job where no day would be the same, one that was exciting, challenging and rewarding. My thoughts turned to how I could use the many different skills that I had acquired as a mum to the best advantage in paid employment and I decided child nursing would be the best option. My motivation was to care for sick children and their families the way that I would have expected my children to be cared for.

On initial discussion with an acquaintance they suggested that my age may go against me, but when I contacted ARU they made it clear that they did not discriminate against students on the basis of age or otherwise.  I then went on to apply for September 2014. The application process was not too difficult, it was a case of applying through UCAS, submitting a personal statement and contacting referees to support my application. I was invited to an interview day shortly afterwards and although I was nervous, everyone was really friendly and put us at ease. I must confess that at first I felt a little bit awkward at being older than most of the other students. However, since being on the course I have realised that mature students have lots to offer in terms of life experience and life skills; I've come to realise that age really is not important.

The course has been challenging both in terms of placement and theory and combining the two. When I first started the course, our group were told that most of us would have times when we would want to leave for one reason or another. I honestly thought that I would not be that person, but on more than one occasion I felt that I could not do it any longer. Yet here I am starting my third and final year and I would not change anything about the course.

Placements have been really varied and I have enjoyed many different experiences - from health visiting to post-operative. I had no idea before starting the course that there were so many different places that children’s nurses could work in.

When I first started the course, I had a fixed idea of where I wanted to work. However my best advice would be to approach the course with an open mind, enjoy each placement and get the most out of them. As I complete each of my placements, I can reflect on whether that is a position that I can see myself working in or not.

I am enjoying all aspects of my training and have met some great people who I hope to stay in touch with in the future. Nothing can prepare you for the challenges that nurse training throws at you. But as a group you all experience the same things at some point and you can and will support each other.

By Sarah
BSc (Hons) Child Nursing student

Disclaimer

The views expressed here are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of Anglia Ruskin University. If you've got any concerns please contact us.