Meet Ruth Jones: A Passionate Children's Nursing Student

Ruth is a Children’s Nursing student who describes her experience as nothing short of “amazing!” At the heart of her education is the Healthcare Simulation Center, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and realistic mannequins. This cutting-edge facility provides a safe environment for students to practice and refine their skills across various scenarios.

The Value of Hands-On Experience

Ruth's favourite aspect of her course is the placements. These invaluable hands-on experiences allow her to apply what she’s learned in the classroom to real-world situations, significantly enhancing her clinical skills. Each placement presents unique challenges that help her grow both professionally and personally.

The collaborative environment helps build strong relationships between students. This connection not only makes the learning process more enjoyable but also provides a support network that helps students navigate the demands of their training.

A Practical Learning Journey

The course is designed with a practical focus, requiring students to complete 2,300 hours of clinical placements, complemented by an equal amount of theoretical study. This hands-on approach ensures that students like Ruth gain invaluable real-world experience alongside their academic learning.

While engaging classroom discussions play a crucial role in understanding nursing concepts and theories, much of the real learning occurs in simulation suites. Here, students have the opportunity to practice essential clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment. These simulations mimic various healthcare scenarios, allowing students to refine their techniques and build confidence in their abilities.

Diverse Placement Opportunities

During her course, Ruth undertook four placements in her first two years and will do three in her final year, with each placement lasting four to six weeks. This experience will culminate in a 12-week management placement. While placements are assigned, Ruth values the diversity of settings—ranging from neonatal units to outpatient clinics—and she has the option to choose elective placements in her final year.

Curious about what a typical day on placement looks like? Ruth took us along to join her for a day in the life on a neonatal unit.

Financial Support

Ruth benefits from the NHS Wales bursary, which fully covers tuition fees for three years. This financial support requires students to work in Wales for two years after they graduate. This opportunity not only eases the financial burden of education but also encourages students to contribute to the local healthcare system.

A Lifelong Passion

Motivated by her fascination with the human body and a passion for empowering others, Ruth sees Children's Nursing as the most rewarding profession.

Currently, Ruth is considering a position in a general children's ward because of the diverse experiences it provides. She is also open to exploring specialised nursing roles as she gains more experience, excited about the many opportunities that await her.

Tips for Aspiring Nurses

For anyone considering a career in nursing, Ruth’s advice is straightforward: “Be yourself! Don’t let others’ opinions deter you from pursuing your dreams.” While nursing certainly has its challenges, it’s an incredible profession for those truly passionate about making a difference.

Discover our Nursing courses and see how we can help you take the next step in your nursing career.