My experience at the University of Sheffield prepared me in countless ways

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

“My journey into healthcare began long before I started university. When I was 19 years old, my grandmother became seriously ill with throat cancer. She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and became extremely unwell. During this time, I essentially became her carer and nurse.

“She was PEG fed, and I managed every aspect of her care, organising hospital transport, medication prescriptions, pressure sore dressings, nutritional feeds with the dietitian, overnight PEG feeding, personal care, and symptom management. I supported her through every stage of her illness. Looking back now, I realise I was already nursing long before I had the qualification.

“At the time, my family encouraged me to become a nurse, but I felt overwhelmed with caring responsibilities and then became pregnant, so nursing felt out of reach.

“As a mother, I later experienced numerous hospital and clinic visits myself due to ongoing gastrointestinal issues, which naturally increased my interest in healthcare and medical knowledge. Several years later, after losing my grandmother, I became pregnant again. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I then became pregnant with my third child, Oscar.

“Unfortunately, my pregnancy became very complex very quickly. Oscar was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), alongside several additional fetal complications. Throughout my pregnancy, I spent a lot of time researching congenital heart disease, fetal medicine, and maternal health. Following a communication breakdown within my maternity care, this is why I decided to become a nurse one day! We were eventually introduced to children’s hospice services through Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice for comfort care planning.

“Oscar sadly passed away shortly after birth.

“That experience completely changed my life and cemented my decision to become a nurse. I wanted to improve patient experiences, advocate for women and families, and contribute towards meaningful change in healthcare.

“During my pregnancy, I became particularly interested in maternal health research, including the potential role of vitamin deficiencies during pregnancy. Oscar was named after the Oxford “OSCAR”  trials after a discussion with one of the leading consultants involved in the research. That experience inspired my ongoing passion for women’s health, maternal wellbeing, and research.”

In what way did your experience at the University of Sheffield prepare you for your current role in surgical assessment?

“My experience at the University of Sheffield prepared me in countless ways, both professionally and personally.

“One of the most impactful experiences was participating in a “Death Café” project organised by lecturer Sally Snowdon. We explored topics surrounding death, dying, grief, and wellbeing before creatively presenting our work to healthcare students and staff. I focused on student nurse wellbeing and the emotional impact of death and dying within nursing.

“The project taught me a great deal about emotional resilience, bereavement, reflection, and the support available to healthcare professionals. I created a poetry piece during this project which was later displayed in the university library — something I remain incredibly proud of.

“This experience also helped prepare me for my first patient death whilst in placement. Although I was training as an adult nurse, my first patient death was actually a paediatric patient, which was emotionally very difficult. However, my personal experiences combined with the preparation provided by the university gave me the confidence and emotional awareness to support both the family and colleagues involved.

“Another incredibly influential lecturer was Rachael Duckworth, who strongly promoted resilience, teamwork, and wellbeing throughout nurse training. One memorable experience involved team-building exercises with an Army-led programme, which taught us invaluable lessons about leadership, communication, pressure management, and recognising the strengths every individual brings to a team.

“Julie Hutchinson, our placement lead, consistently reinforced the importance of reflection and professional development through PebblePad. Alongside guidance from our academic assessors, this helped me develop strong reflective writing skills. One of my reflections was even nominated as an example piece for future students.

“Karolina within the Clinical Skills team was also phenomenal. We were given immersive learning experiences through WISE training, simulation learning, emergency scenarios, and multidisciplinary team working. The course genuinely prepared us for real nursing practice and no stone was left unturned.

“I actually nominated the university nursing team for a Nursing Times Award because I felt the level of support and teaching was exceptional. I attended the awards process in London alongside course lead Lizzie, where we presented to a judging panel after being shortlisted for “Most Supportive University.” It was another incredibly proud moment and reflected the dedication of the entire nursing faculty.”

Did you take advantage of any opportunities whilst at the University of Sheffield and did these enhance your student experience?

“I participated in the NIHR Student Research Internship Programme at the university, which gave me invaluable insight into research processes and significantly developed my confidence in discussing healthcare research and policy.

“During the internship, I contributed to a project surrounding domestic violence and abuse and the development of an interpreter’s toolkit. The experience allowed me to engage with leading figures within nursing and healthcare research and gave me opportunities to share insights on a much wider stage.

“As a result of my involvement in the project, I was later nominated for an Inspiring Worker Award by Dr Ash Talpur.

“This has led me even further into research which now has resulted in securing a place for a Public Health research masters starting this September!”

Tell us more about your positive experiences at the University of Sheffield.

“I absolutely loved Sheffield as both a city and a university community. There is so much to do, beautiful green spaces, amazing food, and a real sense of inclusivity and diversity.

“The university itself offered such a supportive environment. Although I lived at home with my children as a mature student, many of my friends stayed in university accommodation and it always seemed incredibly welcoming and conveniently located.

I genuinely felt supported throughout my nursing degree. The lecturers believed in us, challenged us, and created opportunities that allowed us to grow both academically and personally.

Katy Miller

BMedSci Nursing (Adult) graduate

“Looking back now, I truly believe the opportunities and support provided by the university played a huge role in the achievements and confidence I have today.”

What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a career in nursing?

“Just do it. Do it young, do it later in life, do it whilst terrified but do it.

“Nursing is hard work and there will absolutely be challenging moments, but it also opens doors you never imagined possible. The opportunities, experiences, and people you meet can completely change your life.

“I completed my nursing degree as a mother of two girls, one of whom is neurodivergent and lives with PTSD, whilst also working full-time as a care support worker through NHS Professionals. If I can achieve it under those circumstances, then others absolutely can too.

“Believe in yourself, work hard, and take every opportunity offered to you.”