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

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