Case Study

I visited the University of Sunderland for an Open Day and was impressed with the resources and teaching styles used to educate their students. I had always wanted to start my career in nursing but felt I wasn’t academic enough to complete the course, however, after speaking to the lecturers who teach on the course, I was given the confidence to leap into nursing and university life. When I came for my interview for the BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Practice course, I was given the opportunity to meet some of the lecturers, staff from the Hospital Trust and some of the Patient, Carer and Public Involvement (PCPI) participants, and I knew that this was where I wanted to study.

There's so much to learn and nursing is constantly changing for the better. This course challenges you and gives you the skills that are required to become a registered professional. There are lots of exciting learning opportunities and resources available to benefit your learning, for example, practical lessons in the mock hospital wards using the simulation manikins, and placements covering different specialities.

The University provides a lot of support that you are able to access independently. I have received additional support for dyslexia; the University funded the test and once that was completed I was further supported by the Disability Support Team. They have helped me with accessing equipment that was suited to my learning style. Even on placement we have support from the University, and there's also staff within the Trusts who have students' best interests at heart and are there to help if you have any issues or problems whilst on placement.

I would absolutely recommend the University of Sunderland to future students based on the experiences I've had. I've learned a lot of new skills and have been supported in numerous ways. If you have an interest in healthcare there are other degrees to get involved in such as Medicine and Paramedic Science. Go and explore the University and see what kind of things you will be doing on your course. Having a guided tour is very helpful as they’re able to explain, in detail, the teaching styles you will experience on the course. Also, get in touch with people via email and ask plenty of questions.

This course has allowed me to experience different parts of nursing – I constantly change my mind about which area I'd like to work in! I'm currently interested in working in areas such as transplant, respiratory, major trauma or cancer. I plan to stay and work in the Hospital Trust that I have completed my placements in – they have been a great support and I hope to develop a successful career there.

My experience at Sunderland has been so positive and I've learned a lot from my lecturers and the great staff at the Trust. It has been a challenging, exciting and educational adventure.”

Published 19 May 2020