TRS Learning from 1998 – 2002
What did you go on to study after The Radclyffe School?
I went to Hopwood hall college and completed the national diploma in sports studies, I had a change of heart and decided I did not want to continue on this pathway and wanted to go into nursing. I completed the course and got a full time job working in a nursing home, I completed my NVQ level 2 in health and social care and applied for several Universities to commence my nurse training, I had only obtained a D in Maths therefore no universities would accept me without this, so I attended night school at Oldham college once a week until I got my maths GCSE, I was finally accepted by the University of Manchester to commence my nurse training in 2007. I completed the Diploma in nursing studies and graduated in 2010, I continued on the academic path and completed the degree in nursing studies and graduated again in 2014, I retrained and upskilled myself and became an emergency nurse practitioner and completed masters level modules. My role changed in clinical practice and I moved over to the education side of nursing I returned to Bolton University and completed the Masters in higher and professional education which I got a distinction. I am continuing with my studies and I am starting the the doctorate and in 6 years I will have a PHD.
What does a typical day in your job look like?
As I am no longer in clinical practice I now teach at the University, I teach nurses, pharmacists, physios, paramedics, Chiropodists and midwives how to prescribe. Some days I am teaching in a huge lecture theater other days I am teaching clinical skills and doing one to one tutorials. There is a lot of marking involved and I pass and fail students on the course. Sometimes we have to also go down academic misconduct as students do try and cheat and it is our responsibility to spot this.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The best thing about my job is creating the next generation of safe and effective prescribers who can go out into their clinical practice and improve the patients journey .
I love to see the students achieve their full potential and progress with their careers.
How did your experiences at The Radclyffe School help you with decisions on your future goals?
When i was at school although not that long ago it was very different to now, we did not have the same opportunities and subjects we could choose to study for GCSE’s, therefore in our options I chose what I enjoyed to do which was sports. This helped me to work as a team which is crucial in nursing and in academia, I still play sports now which is great for my mindset and to help me switch off after a stressful day at work
What is your favourite memory of life at The Radclyffe School?
I will be honest I did not really like school and I do not have nostalgia from that time however what I did used to love was the fact you could have some really good banter with all of the sports teachers and we would often have sports matches students Vs teachers and what happened on the court stayed on the court.
What advice would you give a Radclyffe School learner looking to study/work in the same field as you?
You do not go into nursing or education for the money, it is a career which takes up a lot of time and requires a lot of dedication, you d not have to be “academic” you need to be passionate, caring willing to learn and listen. But you do not become a university lecturer over night. You need to gain experience including life experience and in clinical practice, you need to know your subject inside out and accept that you will be studying for the rest of your life as things change and you have to keep up. But if you are willing to put the time and effort in the rewards are worth it.
What advice would you give to learners coming up to their final 2 years at The Radclyffe School and making decisions about their future?
Choose subjects you enjoy and are passionate about, you need your Maths English and Science in the real world if you want to do anything so knuckle down and focus, stay =behind if you have to, do not be like me and have to go night school for 2 years whilst working full time. If you are struggling ask for help find a teacher you are comfortable with. Look at the careers you are interested in and see what you need to go into that role then you can set yourself goals and plan for your future.
Describe your time at The Radclyffe School in 3 words
multi-cultural, challenging, worked hard
