I’m doing everything in my power to do well for the patient

What made you want to work in healthcare, and was there a reason you decided to train as a nurse specifically?

“In my A levels, I really liked science. I stumbled into nursing because of this, and that it allowed me to talk to people. I really liked that the course was split into learning at university and “on the job” on placement like an apprenticeship.

“I also have family in healthcare too. I feel like it’s a very important career, supporting people who are at their most vulnerable. You have to be a specific type of person to work in nursing, and I am that person.”

What drew you to the course at the University of Sheffield in particular?

“I chose the University of Sheffield partly because of the distance from my home in Manchester. It’s far enough to feel independent, but I can still pop home if I need to.

“Sheffield’s Students’ Union is number one in the UK, and student satisfaction on the nursing course is high. I liked the structure of the course too - the mixture of placement blocks and theory blocks; I didn’t want to do an apprenticeship and only spend one day at university.

“I also chose Sheffield because it's near the Peak District. Endcliffe and Ranmoor student halls are amazing - it’s a very safe area, hear the shops and a massive park. The university specifically put me with other nursing students, as our term dates are different. I loved living there!”

Clinical skills sessions are really fun, especially with the Patients as Educators volunteers. I’ve interacted with them a lot, over the phone practising telehealth or listening to chest oscillations. They’re so nice and understanding, and give you honest feedback.

Harry Horgan

How have you found your clinical placements?

“Placements have all been incredibly interesting - I’ve never been bored!

“I’ve been on community placement going into people’s homes, to do things like leg dressings. I went to a ‘care of the elderly’ placement which was my first ward placement and was really rewarding. Taking patients to the toilet and helping them move around are the crux of a nurse’s role. It was a very humbling experience really, supporting them at the end of their lives.

“I also honed my skills as a nurse in theatre admissions, surgery and then recovery afterwards. I saw a different side to nursing, doing things like handing surgeons their tools and counting clothes. I also met an Advanced Nurse Practitioner specialising in surgery. They were listed as the second surgeon and assisted the surgeon whilst explaining things to me; they were a very good teacher.”

What makes nursing worth it for you?

“It's a very rewarding experience getting to see patients get better because of what I've done. I know I’m making a difference when I go onto a shift. Every 12 hours I'm making a difference in someone’s real life. I’m doing everything in my power to do well for the patient.

Nurses play such a crucial role in the healthcare system. They act as patient advocates and patients need to place their trust in them. If you’re not in it for the patient you shouldn’t be in the profession.

Harry Horgan

Is there any advice you’d offer to people interested in a career in nursing?

“It’s not as glamorous as you would think. It's very tough but at the same time, the rewards you get from the career are unlike any other. Persevere - if you have a bad shift, don’t give up - remember you’ve gone into nursing for a reason. Everybody copes in different ways, so find what works for you to make sure you complete the degree.

“You will have time for a student life too - you are a full time student nurse, it is a job, but you do get downtime. You’re learning and not a nurse just yet - the course is flexible enough for you to have fun, go on holiday, go to clubs. This downtime is necessary to make sure you give the best care you can to patients.”