I returned to education following ten years in the utility construction sector. I have previously gained a BSc in Wildlife and Environmental Biology at Anglia Polytechnic University (APU), now known as Anglian Ruskin University (ARU), followed by completing a MSc in Environmental Management for Business at the University of Hertfordshire.
Being a mature student, I wanted to stay local to home. University centre West Anglia (UcWA) was close to home, there was a good balance between theoretical and practical components within the modules and the college has a large selection of animals on site.
The course was varied, and I wholeheartedly enjoyed every module, my favourite being Emergency and Critical Care and Preparation for Professional Practice. A key in the course was practice placement, where every students nurse spends 1,800 hours in a clinical environment. I loved my placement practice so much, that I stayed on and I am now working full-time for them.
My memories at UcWA will stay with me forever, I made lifelong friends that I have gained through the course. Lecturers also worked so hard to make sure that you are on track and have all the support you need.
I am now employed as a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Registered Veterinary Nurse, involved in the care of animals within a busy 24-hour emergency practice. It’s a challenging and varied role, where duties include monitoring general anaesthetics, caring for inpatients within the hospital, giving medication and running nurse consultations. The veterinary industry is ever evolving, so it won’t be long before I get stuck back into further study.
