Why I chose to study nursing at ARU

Adult Nursing student Lennon tells us why he decided on nursing as a career, and chose to apply to Anglia Ruskin University for his degree course.

My exposure to the nursing scene and care, in general, was at a young age.

When I was around eight years old, my father was unfortunately in critical care in the neuro department at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge resulting from an assault.

I remember going to visit and being in awe at the nursing team for how calm they were in such a stressful circumstance, how they looked after my dad’s needs, and how they managed to support me and my family personally.

The nurses caring for my dada made this difficult experience a little more bearable. I think this was where my desire for pursuing this career started. Anyway, enough about me!

Nursing as a career

When I was doing my A Levels, I was certain I was going into healthcare for a career as it seemed second nature and the obvious choice to make. However, what sector I wanted to get into wasn’t as obvious as there is so much choice out there.

I had a friend at the time who was aiming to study mental health nursing and told me to investigate it. I started to look into adult nursing at many universities and immediately knew my choice of degree.

Away from adult nursing, the idea of being a paramedic always enticed me – the fast pace, the never-ending variation of tasks, and the huge satisfaction from the work you are doing. Going into adult nursing kept the doors open for me, and many doors there are! Because I feel like this course is the one for me, I genuinely cannot wait to graduate and make a difference in countless lives.

When I was younger, I always had a composed attitude but also had the capability of caring for others. My friends and family would always joke and call me Dr Dale, turns out that may not be too far from reality someday!

Why I chose ARU

During my UCAS application process, I tried to attend open days or taster days whenever I could squeeze them in around my studies. I visited ARU in Cambridge and got a feel for Young Street, which is a separate building dedicated to healthcare degrees, which is so good because you are surrounded by like-minded people. That's something I find beneficial.

When I arrived at Young Street, I was greeted by people I knew I would like to be around – which is an important part of university. Everyone was friendly and open to questions if I had any, which I most definitely did!

The lecturers I met were engaging, fresh, and approachable. They made the whole day so inspiring and pleasurable.

Physically, Young Street was clean and had a strong sense of professionalism about it, something I’ve come to really appreciate since studying here.

It’s a pleasure to study at ARU – I wouldn’t change it for anything!

By Lennon Dale
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing student

Lennon studies Adult Nursing at ARU in Cambridge. Find out more about this course, and other undergraduate degrees, at one of our Open Days.