Cancer survivor among newly qualified nurses celebrated at badging ceremony

More than 80 nursing students, including an inspiring cancer survivor, from the University of Wolverhampton were recognised at a badging ceremony held at The Chancellor’s Hall at City Campus on 4 November.  

Students studying Adult Nursing and Mental Health Nursing were awarded a nursing badge, funded by The Joan Argyle Shambaugh Bursary, to mark the end of their studies.  

Badges are traditionally given out to represent the institute where the nurses have trained.  

One of the nurses who received a nursing badge was Eve Howard, 47, from Penkridge, who studied Adult Nursing.  

Adult Nursing was the third degree Eve had completed having also previously gained a degree in Law & Literature and a Master’s in Business IT. Before starting her nursing course, Eve had worked in digital marketing for 20 years.  

In 2018, Eve had a stage four bowel cancer diagnosis which had spread to her liver, requiring several rounds of chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy and multiple surgeries.  

The treatment Eve received from the doctors, nurses and healthcare staff changed her outlook on life and inspired her to take on a new career path.  

Eve said: “I’m now training at the hospital where I was treated and I’ve worked alongside some of the healthcare professionals who looked after me. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to give back to the hospital that I believe saved my life.  

“I was given the all clear in January 2021 and five days later I signed up to do my nursing degree at the University of Wolverhampton. I wasn’t sure at that point whether the University would accept me because it was close to the time I had received my treatment.  

“But they did. One of the things that’s brilliant about the University of Wolverhampton is the opportunities they provide for nursing students. It’s been a whirlwind of a journey from being a patient to a nurse."  

On becoming a qualified nurse, Eve said: “It feels amazing to have qualified as a nurse. I’d had no exposure to a day in the life of a nurse until I became a patient. And it was at this point I thought this is a career where you will save lives, have the potential to completely change the trajectory of how a patient heals, and make a difference to patients’ wellbeing by showing compassion and effectively communicating with them.  

“Nursing is a fantastic career, with lots of opportunities for progression in the future. You will be supported by a fantastic set of colleagues and have the chance to change someone’s life at a time when they need you most.  

“If you’re looking after an unwell patient and you have the opportunity to nurse them back to wellness, I can’t think of anything better.” 

Alice Curzon, 24, from Shrewsbury, studied Mental Health Nursing and was another nurse to receive her nursing badge.  

Reflecting on her qualification as a nurse, Alice said: “It was quite overwhelming to receive my nursing pin after three years of hard work. I didn’t expect to get to where I am but it feels great wearing my nursing uniform.  

“My mum has been a nurse for 36 years and she encouraged me to take up nursing. I wasn’t sure at first, but I studied Health and Social Care at college and also did a Mind placement. The placement helped me change my mind around my career plan as I was originally thinking about going into event planning.  

“I feel like I’m now following in my mum’s footsteps.  

“Working with older patients and making a real difference to improving their lives is something I’m passionate about. I work with a very supportive team who help me every day.  

“Nursing is so rewarding. Every day is a different day and you will get to work with so many different people. It’s a career for life where you can help so many patients.”  

 For more information about the range of Nursing and Healthcare courses at the University, check out the website or visit one of our Open Days.