Islanders looking to train to become a nurse across a range of fields from midwifery to mental health will be able to find out more about degree courses offered in Jersey at an event next week.
Health and Community Services is looking for its next cohort of student nurses for the three-year degree courses which it runs in partnership with the University of Chester. The courses in adult nursing, midwifery, children’s nursing and mental health nursing start in September 2020, which is also the Year of the Nurse, to mark the bicentenary of the birth of Florence Nightingale.
An open event offering islanders the opportunity to find out more about the courses and to speak to the lecturing team, is due to take place on Monday 16 December from 3pm to 7pm in Room 2 of the Education Centre in Peter Crill House.
HCS first began offering an Adult Nursing Degree Programme in 2013 in partnership with the University of Chester. The three-year degree course allows islanders to study and obtain practical work experience in Jersey. Meanwhile, in 2014, HCS launched further degree courses in midwifery, children’s nursing and mental health nursing. Students on these courses study off-island and undertake their work placements in Jersey.
Julie Mesny, Head of Nursing, Midwifery and AHP Education, said: "It’s wonderful that we can grow local talent in Jersey. Recruiting islanders to the nursing and midwifery programmes and watching them develop into caring and committed professionals is truly rewarding. I would encourage any islander who believes that they have what it takes to become a nurse or a midwife to come to our open event to find out more."
Since 2013, 42 islanders have qualified as nurses or midwives. There are currently 54 islanders in training – 45 in adult nursing, five in midwifery and four in mental health nursing.
Lorraine McCauley was a beauty therapist for 15 years before deciding to train as a nurse. She said: "I always had nursing in the back of my mind. When I discovered I could study nursing on-island I decided to look into it further. I had to start from scratch. I didn't have maths GCSE or any A-Levels.
"I attended Highlands College every Tuesday evening to study maths while working full-time as a therapist. Thankfully I passed. Then I did an online access course while still working full-time, it was tough, but I managed to get the grades I needed.
"I started the Adult Nursing Degree programme in September 2018 and I haven't looked back. The class numbers are small which makes it feel like the learning is more one-to-one. The lecturers are amazing at teaching, give great support and are always happy to help with any problems.
"It can be challenging at times with assignments and shifts etc., but if you put your mind to it you can do anything! At the age of 36 I never thought I'd be doing a degree. I would say to anyone who has always thought about becoming a nurse is that it's never too late and to just go for it. I can't believe I'm in my second year already, time goes so fast. Starting the nursing degree programme is one of the best decisions I have ever made."
To find out more about the ipen event on Monday 16 December, or to book a place phne 01543 444210 or email Denise Worley on d.worley@health.gov.je or preregteam@health.gov.je.
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