Rebecca Willis

• Year of graduation: 2016
• Current job title: Continence Specialist Prescribing Nurse
• Current employer: NHFT

Your course of study

Why did you choose your course?

It fitted easily with family commitments, and I had heard good feedback from previous students who had studied here.

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

The range of lecturers we had teaching us throughout the various modules. Having their knowledge shared and, stories which were relevant to the course.

Your university/career journey

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

It gave me the relevant qualification to register as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

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

Within 2 years of qualifying, I had secured a post of a district nursing sister and 2 years after this I was successful in being a community Advanced Nursing Practitioner (ANP).  I have continued to study beyond registration completing my DNSPQ and V300 qualification.

I currently hold a prescribing role within the continence team locally and it is a role I enjoy beyond anything. My future plans involve expanding our current prescribing service to benefit the patients across the whole county.

Placements

Where did you complete your placement year?

I took place in multiple placements throughout the 3 years.

What were the benefits of doing a placement year?

Gave me hands on knowledge relevant to the occupation I was studying.

What employability skills did you develop during your placement?

It provided me the opportunity to be hands on with the patients including nursing care. Along with being able to communicate effectively with patients.

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

Grab every opportunity offered to you, you may never get them again.

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

Take a breath, you’ve got this! And don’t leave anywhere on a bad note – you never know who you might bump into later in life.

Your advice

In one sentence, what advice would you give to undergraduates interested in this career path, e.g., tips on gaining entry, accessing opportunities, anything you wish you had known earlier?

This will be the hardest but most rewarding journey you will take but it will be so worth it!

In ten words, or less how would you summarise your UON experience?

Positive and supportive.