Why I chose to study nursing, with Katie Flavell
Katie is a first-year learning disabilities nursing student at Coventry University. Following results week, she shares her reasons for applying to university, and what she envisions for her future nursing career.
“Hello, my name is Katie. I am currently finishing my first year as a student learning disabilities nurse. I chose nursing after I did some volunteer work with children with physical and learning disabilities. I really enjoyed the processes of care and making their lives that bit easier by helping them. I realised that I wanted to help more people who live with additional needs and give them the opportunity to thrive and reach their potential.
“Throughout my first year, I have enjoyed learning all the different processes of care and how that can impact a patient’s health and wellbeing. I have had the joy of seeing the effects of the care I have given, helping to improve a person’s life and see them overcome challenges that they would never have thought were possible.
“For me, my future as a nurse looks positive. Nurses I have worked with do their utmost to provide the best standards of care and encourage me as a student to do the same. I am looking forward to the rest of my degree and beyond, utilising the skills I have learnt to make people’s lives better.”
If, like Katie, you want a rewarding career that makes an impact on people’s lives, nursing could be for you. It’s not too late to apply to university. Find a course through UCAS clearing.
Don’t forget, if you choose to study nursing at university you could be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund, which will guarantee £5,000 a year to support your studies, as well as specialist payments for mental health or learning disability nursing.