North-east secondary school pupils who wish to pursue a career in Nursing have been trying it out for themselves recently at Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) Nursing Summer School.
A total of 26 pupils from secondary schools across the north-east attended the programme at the end of July for a week long taster of what is involved in nursing.
The programme, which is open to 16 to 18 year-olds, is a free educational experience to help interested pupils make more informed decisions about whether nursing is the right career choice for them.
During the week participants took part in various nursing activities which contribute to core skills required in the profession.
Pupils not only practiced these skills within the university’s Clinical Skills Centre, but also observed work within real clinical and theatre settings in Aberdeen and Elgin.
Jane Mair, lecturer at RGU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, co-ordinates the Summer School with university colleagues, in collaboration with NHS Grampian.
She said: “The Nursing Summer School is designed with senior pupils in mind so they can make a more informed decision about their career choice as their time at school comes to an end.
“Nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession and the summer school highlights that as it gives pupils the opportunity to see if it is something they can see themselves doing in years to come.
“Through the different sessions we try to show the diversity of the profession and the potential of very exciting career pathways.
“The experience involves adult, children and young people’s nursing as well as mental health and learning disabilities. It also reflects care that is delivered both in hospital and community settings.
“We were very impressed with the RGU Nursing Summer School - Class of 2016 and hope to see many of the pupils back with us at the university as they continue their studies.”
A popular element of the programme saw participants undertaking simulated nursing practice when they put their new skills to the test with members of the public who acted as volunteer patients.
Held at RGU’s Clinical Skills Centre, the session provided an opportunity for participants to step into the shoes of a nurse and deal with a variety of healthcare issues.
Aberdeen pupil, Hannah Blake (16), said: “I really enjoyed the Nursing Summer School and it’s been good to see the different aspects to nursing. The variety of experiences we got throughout the week is incredible and it has given me really good insight into nursing as a career”
Fellow pupil Abbie Trevis (16), added: “It has been good to see the different roles nurses fulfil and areas they work on such as the wards and other units. The experience has given me a completely new perspective on the job. I’m interested in pursuing a nursing career but am keeping my options open for which area to focus on.”
Recruitment for RGU’s Nursing Summer School in 2017 will commence next spring and is coordinated through secondary school guidance teachers across the North-east.