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21 Feb 2008 10:56:08
A mother of two has proved it is never too late to follow your dreams as she
prepares to become a qualified nurse – 29 years after she left school.
Tina Elkington wanted to be a nurse since she was four, after a hospital visit to have a minor operation. She remembers vividly how the nurses helped her and this inspired her to think about entering the profession when she was older. Although it remained her ambition throughout school and college, her career path took a very different direction after she agreed to help work for a friend’s family business.
Now Tina is due to complete her Diploma in Nursing at the University of Bedfordshire, and has enjoyed it so much, she has decided to study a further six months to complete a degree in Nursing.
She said: “After working at my friend’s business, I got married and had children, so it was never the right time to return to education. It was only after my children had grown up that I started thinking about education again.
“I saw an advert for a Nursing Open-Day at the University, and thought I’d go along to find out more. It had been so long since I’d studied I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with all the assignments. But after speaking to staff and attending an open day I was accepted on the course.”
Tina has enjoyed her course and found the practice placements gave her a wonderful insight into the different areas within the profession. The 45-year-old would like to work in the community, specialising in diabetes and advising the public about living with diabetes, and how to reduce the chances of developing the illness.
She concluded: “The course has taught me so much, and I have really grown in confidence. I would advise others to do some research, speak to staff and then follow your dreams.”
If you would like more information about studying nursing at the University of Bedfordshire, visit www.beds.ac.uk or call 01234 400400.
Latest news» 2008» February» Mother of two says it’s never too late to return to education
