Case Studies of Current Students
"I am proud to be a student at Cardiff University. I had experience of caring previously, but the knowledge I have gained and able to take into practice from university is amazing. For this programme you must be prepared to undertake new challenges and meet them with an open mind. Cardiff is an outstanding university; it allows students to develop; the tutors and staff are extremely helpful."
- Heather Naish, Adult Nursing
“I previously worked as an office manager but the thought of changing careers and going back to university was quite a daunting prospect. Although experience is not essential working as a nursing auxiliary gave me a valuable insight into what would be expected of me as a student nurse and I would recommend that prospective students consider gaining some care work experience before starting the course. The School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies has an excellent reputation and as a previous graduate of Cardiff University and a local resident it was the natural choice for me. Cardiff is an exciting and vibrant city that I am proud to call home. The course can be very demanding at times and does require a high level of commitment and motivation from its students. However, it is extremely rewarding and I am looking forward to becoming a qualified nurse. I hope to remain within the Cardiff and Vale area after I graduate.”
- Violet Etheridge, Adult Nursing
"I have really enjoyed the course. I have found that it has increased my confidence and given me the knowledge needed for clinical practice. Cardiff is a lively city with something for everyone so is perfect for a good social life. I would recommend gaining experience prior to the course, for example volunteering such as working with learning disability. In the future I would like to work in the area of rehabilitation within mental health."
- Zoe Gillings, Mental Health
"Prior to starting my nurse training, I completed a degree in Sociology and Social Policy. After this I was keen to begin building a career and when I visited the nursing school, meeting its friendly staff and hearing about all the opportunities available at Cardiff University, (along with a promise of the city's vibrant nightlife!) I was sold! I have been privileged to be a part of some amazing experiences. These range from the birth of a child and a visit to theatres observing a scoliosis repair, to helping manage a busy ward and representing my set on the Student Panel. The course has provided me with excellent theoretical and clinical experiences, as well as some great friends, in coursemates, lecturers, mentors and children and families."
- Kathryn Gubb, Child Health
"Prior to starting the course I gained employment at the University Hospital of Wales as a Maternity Care Assistant. This two-year experience has helped my confidence grow whilst attending clinical placements. Working part-time I also carried out the Access to Nursing course. During this time of working, studying and being a full-time single mother, I learnt how to juggle my time effectively. This has definitely helped me to gain good time management skills that are needed to get through the Midwifery degree course. I feel very privileged to be studying for a Midwifery degree at Cardiff University. Cardiff is my home town and after I had attended many open days I knew that Cardiff was the university for me. The course is very demanding and challenging but I know the outcome will be worth all the hard work. The theory side of the course can be difficult but the lecturers are inspiring and extremely supportive. Placements can be quite testing at times but overall the course is brilliant and very rewarding and I am enjoying my time as a student midwife. I would recommend to anyone who wants a fulfilling career in Midwifery to go for it."
- Charlene Whyte, Midwifery
"Before I started at Cardiff I had studied A-levels at a Sixth form. After attending several other interviews and open days I know Cardiff was for me. For my first year I lived in Talybont North student halls which were perfect for settling into university life. In our first year we focused on normality which included placements on community and in the local hospitals, all of which were very interesting and gave a good base for the course. All the lecturers and tutors are friendly and approachable if problems arise either in clinical placements or the theoretical aspects. At times the course has been challenging but it is also very rewarding and worthwhile."
- Beth Sangwine, Midwifery