Student praises new nursing course in Telford

A University of Wolverhampton student is combining her studies with caring for relatives thanks to a new nursing course in Telford.

Ruth Rawson is part of the first cohort to study Adult Nursing at the University’s Telford Innovation Campus.

Living in Telford, the Priorslee campus is perfect for the 43-year-old mother-of-three.

Ruth also provides weekly respite care for an elderly relative – which has inspired her to follow her dream of becoming a nurse.

Ruth, whose three children are aged between nine and 13, says: “For me living in Telford, the campus is conveniently located with ample free parking and modern, spacious facilities; particularly the impressive brand-new state of the art clinical skills lab.

“Clinical placements are undertaken in the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust, as well as community venues in and around Shropshire so there is a good chance I will end up working somewhere I have experienced on placement, which is a real benefit.  Four months into the course and I am really enjoying the challenge, even taking on the responsibility of Class Rep. Before deciding to retrain for a new career, I spent over 20 years in retail and customer service and established and ran a successful bridal business. 

“I provide weekly respite care for an elderly relative who has Vascular Dementia and liaise with healthcare professionals to ensure the medication and support she receives, evolves with her changing symptoms.  This personal experience inspired me to follow my heart. I enrolled on a 1-year full-time Health & Social Science Access Course at Telford College.

This not only gave me the UCAS points needed to study at university level, but also helped me brush up on my very rusty academic skills.  From there, I applied to two local universities and after attending Open Days at both, I chose University of Wolverhampton’s Telford Campus which I’m so pleased I did. I have found the lecturers to be very supportive and I have met friends for life.”

The University of Wolverhampton’s Telford Innovation Campus in Priorslee offers an increasing number of courses through its Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, as well as being an established home for the School of Engineering. The Centre for Emergency Management and Resilience offers a BSc Honours Degree, a Masters Qualification and Postgraduate Certificates for those who wish to work in this specialist area. Adult Nursing opened its doors for the first time in September 2019 and is recruiting now for March 2020 and September 2020.