Name: Jake
Hometown: St Day
Course: FdSc Nursing Associate, BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing top-up
Next Steps: Stroke Nurse
My Story
A change in career from construction to nursing helped Jake fulfil an ambition that has led to him beginning his dream career as a Registered Nurse at Royal Cornwall Hospital.
Having first studied Level 2 Construction in 2014, Jake returned to education several years later with a new purpose – to care for others.
“I’d always enjoyed looking after people and hearing their life stories,” Jake says. “Even when I was still working in construction, I found myself being drawn more and more toward care roles.”
Jake’s first job in the care sector was in a nursing home. From there, he went on to work with young adults with disabilities and then spent five years as a healthcare assistant at Royal Cornwall Hospital. It was during this time that he saw an opportunity to enrol on the FdSc Nursing Associate degree at the University Centre.
“I applied for the FdSc Nursing Associate programme not really thinking I’d get in. When I got accepted on the course, I just knew I was destined to become a nurse. The nursing programme moulds people into who they’re meant to be.”
Beginning the course during Covid was challenging for Jake, however the support he received helped him succeed in a difficult time for healthcare.
“The lecturers here were amazing during my Nursing Associate course – especially through Covid. It was a really difficult time for everybody in education and work and our lecturers were wicked. I don’t think anybody could have predicted a challenge like that. They really supported us on a personal level and made such a difficult time feel manageable.”
After successfully completing the foundation degree, Jake progressed onto the BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing top-up, also at the University Centre Truro and Penwith.
Jake particularly valued the flexibility of the course and the strong communication from staff, which helped him balance studies with family life and part-time work.
“They were so supportive. Nothing was ever too much. The communication was always timely and thoughtful – they really care.”
“One of my best experiences on the course was meeting new people, I’ve made some good friends that hopefully I’ll keep in touch with, and we’ll go on to meet as nurses out in the field.”
Now qualified, Jake is preparing to return to Phoenix Ward at Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske where he completed his placement as a Registered Nurse, with aspirations to specialise in stroke care.
“I’d love to develop into a stroke nurse in the future. But wherever I go, I know nursing is where I’m meant to be. I wouldn’t ever go back to building.”
Jake’s advice to others considering a career in nursing is: “It doesn’t matter how old you are or if you don’t think you can do it – because you can. There’s probably never a perfect time, but the time you choose to start will always be the right one.”
