Brian Jelley

My career journey, so far... 

Before starting my nursing degree, I was a qualified solicitor and worked at some of the largest law firms in the UK, attended numerous courts, was entrusted with significant sums of money and advised multinational insurers, banks and law firms. But I felt unfulfilled and wanted a lot more.  

As you can see, I have not always wanted to be a nurse, but to say it had never crossed my mind would be inaccurate. Many friends and family were healthcare professionals, which made it hard to shake an ever-present feeling that such a career would give me better job satisfaction. Ultimately, curiosity won the day and I started looking into nursing. The wide range of skills, career paths and opportunities simply blew me away; so I made the plunge and enrolled at Chester University.  

What I enjoy most about my studies... 

The programme at Chester has a heavy focus on practice skills, which has been very enjoyable and one of the main draws for me when enrolling. I never feel more confident that I have made the right decision, than when Iam on placement. There is no better motivator, for me at least, than knowing you have helped make a positive impact on someone's life. 

My thoughts on changing career... 

I do not consider my prior career a waste, if anything I hope it will make me a better nurse. 

About me: 

What I do with my spare time... 

A geek who grew up with Star Wars and Star Trek, became a bit of a wannabe clubber (Cream) before marrying an amazingly patient and beautiful woman who provided me with daughters more beautiful and amazing than her. Suffice to say, I am very fortunate and have a lot to be thankful for.....although the cat, the dog, the fish and being an unpaid taxi driver 7 days, a week does tend to keep me grounded.  

When I am not being “enlightened” by my daughters as to the Sprite challenge or the top 10 memes of 2022, I like to play football, read science fiction, watch box sets or movies and play computer games. Music is also a great passion of mine; it threads a lot of these hobbies together. From John Williams to, ACDC, Faithless or the Cyberpunk 2077 (Game) soundtrack I always find a tune that makes me feel better; music therapy so to speak. 

My favourite song... 

House of Pain, Jump around – REL, Night City – Blackstreet, No Diggity 

Movie... 

Hard to pick one, but my favourites are Ready Player One, Where Eagles Dare and the majority of the Star Wars films. 

Advice to other students: 

If I had to pick one piece of advice to help anyone thinking about becoming a nurse it would be that you are honest with yourself. Nursing is a great career with a lot of rewards but it isn’t easy. It is physically and mentally demanding, requiring a strength of character that is not readily encouraged or required in most other professions.