Nursing graduates are thanked for the memories…as we welcome a new member of staff

University of Northampton bade a fond farewell to the latest nursing graduates whilst welcoming a new member of staff whose job it is to support the next generation.

The Class of 2014 were thanked for ‘being brilliant’ during an end of course celebration at University of Northampton’s Park Campus. During the packed day of fun and congratulations they were presented with awards, heard motivational speeches and received their Nursing and Midwifery Council ‘PIN’ numbers, without which they cannot practice nursing in the UK.

Some of our newest nurses waiting for their awards and their NMC PIN numbers.

Despite the noticeable absence of sunshine, a summer disposition was retained when nurses swapped professional uniforms for out of hours ‘Hawaiian’ costumes and took part in traditional school sports day activities.

Closing the day, the nursing subject team also held a raffle to raise funds for the Cavell Nurses’ Trust and made pledges of good practice, in honour of Kirsty Boden, the Australian who was killed as she raced to help victims of the London Bridge Terrorist attack earlier this year.

Donna Bray, Subject Lead for Nursing at the University of Northampton, commended the new nursing alumni: “It’s been an unmitigated pleasure working with our students so after three years of hard work and study, it was high-time for a little down-time.

“From all of us at the University of Northampton, a big thank you and best wishes for the future.”

Donna Bray, Subject Lead Nursing at the University of Northampton, presented awards.

As the ‘old guard’ moved on,  the newest member of nursing subject staff was welcomed. Katherine Merrick, Lecturer in Clinical Skills (Mental Health Nursing), will be working jointly with St. Andrews Healthcare Trust’s ASPIRE programme.

Her duties at University of Northampton will involve providing guidance and support to nursing and Health Care Assistant students.

Katherine, who joins us from St Andrews, said: “I remember finishing my own nursing degree so I fully

Katherine (‘Kat’) Merrick, our new Lecturer in Clinical Skills (Mental Health Nursing

appreciate how excited, proud and nervous our latest graduates must feel. I’m looking forward to helping future students on their journey to being just as brilliant.”

Ged Rogers, Clinical Education Manager for St Andrew’s Healthcare, commented: “Kat’s appointment is an exciting extension to our excellent partnership with the University of Northampton.

“It is the reward of many years collaboration in developing a second to none route for healthcare assistants to realise their dream of being registered nurses through our ASPIRE programme.

“This innovative and creative role will not only enhance our ability to support staff to become nurses, but also enhance their experience of being a student nurse.”

Read here for more detail about our nursing courses.