Meet Carolyn, a career changer and third-year Adult Nursing student at the University of Cumbria. We caught up with Carolyn to find out what inspired her journey into nursing, hear how she balances her studies with family life, and discover her ambitions for the future.
What course do you study?
I am studying BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing, and I started my studies in September 2023. I’m due to graduate in 2026.
Why did you choose to study your course – what or who inspired you?
It sounds like such a cliché when I say that I dreamed of being a nurse from a young age, but all those years of watching Casualty with my mum and nana, as well as being a St. John’s Ambulance Cadet, solidified my passion for looking after people. Fast forward 30+ years, and here I am living my dream! I was never particularly academic at school and didn’t achieve the grades I needed, so I jumped straight into employment as an office worker for 15 years. In that time, I gained so much life experience as well as becoming a mum to 3 children.
After a difficult relationship broke down, it took all my strength to find myself again, and with the support of a career advisor, I took the plunge and returned to education in 2020 to complete an Access to HE course at my local college. And honestly? It was the best decision ever.
I deferred my start to university as my youngest child was only 3 and the logistics of childcare and travelling would’ve been almost impossible to maintain as a single parent, but seeing former college friends getting ready to graduate, I felt like I was missing out. I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to contact the University of Cumbria to enrol on the Adult Nursing course from September 2023.
Why did you choose the University of Cumbria?
I had previously attended open days at other universities in Yorkshire and Lancashire, but after attending the open day at the University of Cumbria’s Lancaster campus, I knew straight away that this was the place for me. Even though I travel an hour to uni, the campus is so incredibly welcoming, with easy access to the city as well. The location and grounds are very lovely, which make it a wonderful place to study.
The friendly atmosphere on campus and the Learning Gateway Building are very appealing. After a morning of lectures, to be able to sit with friends and have a decent lunch overlooking the city makes it a worthwhile break in the day. The library has so many excellent resources and support for students when writing assignments.
What do you enjoy about your course?
All of the modules have been so worthwhile, and I think besides Anatomy & Physiology, the Evidence-Based Practice and Public Health modules have had a huge impact on my learning. Nursing is so much more than physically looking after people; you have to really consider communication, the availability of help in the community, and look at what has worked or not worked in the past.
How have you found your placements?
My placements have been varied, and all have provided me with great opportunities to apply my learning and put theory into practice. Because I don’t live near the campus, 3 out of 4 placements have been in Kendal. This is a little nearer for me, making the travel much easier, particularly in the wintertime. My favourite placement to date was my first one at a nursing home in Kendal!
How have your tutors supported you during your studies?
Staff at the university are very well informed and supportive. If I have ever had any difficult family circumstances, there has always been a listening ear. Feedback on my assignments is generally good, with advice for how to improve in the future and lots of encouragement. Staff want us to succeed and will point us in the right direction.
How have you found studying at Cumbria as a mature student?
My cohort has a varied range of ages, and there are possibly a third of us who are mature students! It’s very nice to mix with all ages, though, as we learn a lot from each other.
What’s been the most difficult obstacle you’ve overcome in your student journey?
Juggling motherhood, running a house, and studying is incredibly hard, and if it wasn’t for my amazing mum, I wouldn’t be able to follow my dreams. She is amazing and looks after my children when I am on placement.
How is university life beyond your studies?
In a word, chaotic. I have 2 teenage girls and a 7-year-old boy, so everything is full on at home. I go to uni for a break. But despite home life being busy, I am a well-organised person who manages to get on with everything that needs doing. I am a terrible procrastinator when it comes to writing assignments, but I always find time to fit in independent study.
I love walking with my dog in the hills where I live in the Yorkshire Dales and go out for lunches with my mum or a friend. I have learned to make sure I put my mental health first to function happily and effectively in both my home and uni life.
What would be your top tips for people thinking of doing the same course as you?
If you have a passion for something, don’t wait for the right time; do it now! If I can do it as a single mum, anyone can. Be organised, give it everything you’ve got, and create the vision for yourself that you’ve always dreamed of. Even if you think you can’t, you really can with the right mindset and support from colleagues and staff at the university.
What have you enjoyed most about your time at university?
The opportunity to be an adult, a person… alongside being a mum. I worked locally prior to starting university as this fitted in with my children, but I was bored and knew that ‘waiting until the right time’ wasn’t an option. Life is too short, and I hope that by seeing how hard I am working to make a better life for myself, my children will grow up with the same work ethic as me.
What are your career plans after university?
I aspire to be the best nurse I can be, and my determination to succeed is the driving force behind this. I can’t wait to qualify and put all of my learning into practice to deliver the best patient-centred care for everyone I look after. I hope to do so within a care setting where compassion and dignity are at the heart of everything.
Nursing is so much more than physically looking after people; you have to really consider communication, the availability of help in the community, and look at what has worked or not worked in the past.