Marieke Vink

• Year of graduation: 2015
• Current job title: Registered Nurse
• Current employer: Hywel Da University Health Board

Your course of study

Why did you choose your course?

It was conveniently located for my personal situation at the time. As a mature student, I did not want to have to move away from my social contacts to study.

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most and why?

I enjoyed the practical aspects the most. However, I also greatly enjoyed that the lecturers were open to discussions and to having their points of view challenged. For most lectures, learning felt like a two-way street.

Your university/career journey

How do you think your studies have helped your career or personal development?

I could not be a nurse without the degree as a degree is vital into getting into this area of work. Personally, it has helped enormously. I finally found a job I love and that I can see myself do until the end of my working life. I never expected such a job existed for me as with ADHD, means I get bored with things very quickly. Doing the degree and getting a job as a nurse has helped me realise, I can do more than I thought I could, if it is interesting and stimulating enough for me.

Describe your career progression so far, and any plans you have for the future. Are there any hurdles you may face?

I currently am, and will always remain, a band 5 nurse. I have no aspirations for management or a “higher” role. My plan is instead to be the absolute best band 5 nurse I can be, whilst providing support to the ward management team. In my experience, I’ve found that you can achieve more by speaking to colleagues from the same level, rather than as a ward sister or matron.

Which, if any, skills and knowledge/understanding gained on your degree are most useful in your current role?

This one thing always sticks with me and its “It’s always better to ask than to guess”.  Change is important and willingness to change and adapt will save lives.

Placements

Where did you complete your placement year? What was your role?

As part of the course, I completed 6 placements. These were at Kettering General Hospital, Barchester Nursing Home, Danetre Community Hospital, Towcester District Nursing and West Favel District Nursing.  Duties varied depending on the year of study. Initially, basic patient care, personal hygiene and observing nursing staff, to eventually managing my own patient load, planning, providing, and managing care, administering medications, performing clinical skills and participating in MDT.

What were the benefits of doing a placement year?

The placements were required for parts of the curriculum. They provided me with the practical knowledge on which to build upon once a qualified nurse.

What employability skills did you develop during your placement?

It was not possible to complete the course without the placements, so that in itself is an employability skill. The practical placements gave a general flavour of what is expected from nurses but it cannot ever prepare you for the real world of nursing.

How do you think the placement helped you to gain employment after graduating?

I was offered a position at Danetre Hospital when I was invited to complete my final placement there. This helped enormously with reducing the stress of starting a new life as a nurse after graduating. I already knew the ward, the staff and the routines.

Do you have any tips on applying for placements? What can students do to help them get one?

Ask questions. Ask questions. Ask questions. But don’t worry if you do not remember all the answers.

What advice would you give to students about to begin a placement year?

If a patient asks a question and you do not know the answer, do not look insecure and don’t try to sort of answer the question. Simply say: I do not know the answer to that, but I am going to find out and get back to you. And then get back to the patient with the right answer. This will give them, and your colleagues, the confidence that you are aware of your own limitations and that you will find help when you need help.