Adele Taylor

I may not have always wanted to be part of the nursing workforce but when I was a patient myself, it was like a light switch had turned on, an epiphany. I have never looked back since!

My route into nursing...

I am a mature student, I came into nursing having not been in full-time education for more than 15 years. I worked in retail for 15 years, I always enjoyed my work, but I always felt like something was missing. What that ‘something’ was, I was never sure of. After surviving a ruptured renal aneurysm whilst 30 weeks pregnant in 2017, I was an inpatient for four weeks and my child was in neonatal for seven weeks. I had finally found my ‘something’ and it was during my time as an inpatient I decided to pursue a career in nursing. I first got a job at a local hospital as a clinical support worker on an acute ward. This was to ensure I did in fact enjoy working in health before I committed to a degree. I loved working in the hospital and caring for people, so I enrolled in an Access to Higher Education course at my local college. This proved to be crucial to my learning and set me up perfectly for the demands of university life. 

The skills I developed over the years in retail have not gone to waste, there are many transferable skills from retail to nursing. For example, communication and time management skills. Being a patient has also helped me to become a better nurse, as it reminds me to pay attention to the small details too, as these go a long way to helping someone feel cared for. 

My favourite part about the course... 

Everything! I have found a new love of learning. The course has afforded me so many opportunities to develop, both professionally and personally. The reflections we are encouraged to do help me in my personal life too. Having the opportunity to learn alongside students who share the same passion for nursing has been nothing short of inspiring. We can get into some interesting debates and that is just our lunch breaks! 

Why I am proud to be a nursing student... 

I feel so privileged to be in the position I am in. To be able to help others in their time of need is nothing short of an honour. Although it can be tough at times, even the hardest shifts still have a lot of special moments in them. 

Opportunities I have got involved in... 

I am a student representative for the adult nursing cohort, and I have also signed up to the student quality ambassador role. I am passionate about improving the experience for all students at university and being a voice for my fellow students too. It has helped me develop my organisational and time management skills further and makes me think creatively to produce solutions to problems.  

My future ambitions... 

I am not 100% certain of this yet. I have enjoyed every aspect of my degree so far. As I have progressed through the degree, I have considered many roles, such as Nurse Consultant, public health, Palliative nurse, Ward Manager and even becoming a university lecturer at a later point in my career. 

The beauty of nursing is that there is no shortage of opportunities and career paths, which is another huge attraction of joining the profession. 

About me:

What I do with my spare time... 

I have two young children, so in what little spare time I do have, I try and spend with them. I like reading, walking (trying to complete the 214 Wainwright’s). I also love to cook.

My favourite books...

It is hard to choose, as I have so many favourites. I always read non-fiction, as I love to learn about health issues, unfamiliar cultures and broaden my knowledge on a range of subjects.  

I like ‘A Woman of Firsts’ by Edna Adan Ismail. A truly fascinating read about a midwife who persevered where most would have floundered. A journey of resilience and determination which is infectious and leaves you feeling inspired. 

My passions... 

I am passionate about the NHS and ensuring its longevity. I also find public health and social and health inequalities fascinating. 

Looking after my mental wellbeing... 

Looking after your mental health is extremely important, especially working in the health sector. Not only do we need to be well enough in ourselves to be able to care for others, but we also need to be mindful of the advice we give to our patients too. It is no good me telling a patient to make some lifestyle changes to improve their mental health, if I do not do the same.  

Getting outside is the best thing for me, getting some fresh air and exercise does wonders for me. 

Advice for someone think about taking a similar career path... 

1. Absorb yourself in the university experience, try not to shy away from the activities the university provide. It is such a unique time of your life being a student and a chance to learn things in addition to your main degree subject. It’s a great way to socialise and meet students from other courses too. 

2. Never be too afraid to ask questions! Your lecturers are there to give you the foundations of your learning and you are required to add the ‘meat to the bones’ by completing additional reading and research. During lectures, or at the end, take 5 minutes to ask a question and the lecturers are more than happy to help. In my experience, asking the lecturer a question about a topic I did not quite understand has gone a long way in helping me understand it clearly.  

3. Enjoy yourself! Naturally, it is easy to get wrapped up in the nursing degree as it can be quite intense. When you are planning your assignments/exam preparation, make sure you plan in some YOU time too. Whether it is having a long bath, spending time with friends and family, or going for a bike ride, make sure you plan it in. Although it will be time away from your studies, you need this to ensure your productive and your head is clear when the crunch time hits, and the assignment deadline looms.