We love it when our students return to SERC to let us know how they are getting on, so the Health and Social Care Lecturing team in our Newtownards Campus were delighted to welcome back two students who completed the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (Health Studies) this year, and who have both recently commenced degrees at local universities in preparation for exciting careers in nursing.
Rhianna Carlisle (20) from Newtownards, has begun a BSc in Nursing (Mental Health) at Ulster University and is looking forward to beginning her first placement in the New Year.
Amy Nesbitt (20) from Bangor, who initially studied A Levels at a local grammar school before progressing to SERC, has started her BSc in Professional Nursing (Adult Nursing) at Queen’s University Belfast and has just started her first placement.
Nikki Rainey, Curriculum Manager Health and Care at SERC said, “It was wonderful to see both students proudly wearing their student nurse uniforms and to celebrate how their hard work, commitment and determination had paid off. Everyone in the SERC Health team is incredibly proud of both Rhianna and Amy and all that they have achieved to date.”
Nikki added, “Both students spoke very positively about their experience at the college on the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (Health Studies), highlighting how the course has helped prepare them for the demands of studying at university and their chosen nursing pathways.
“Rhianna felt that going to university was something she might never achieve and had doubts about her ability to progress to higher education. However, she received all five of her UCAS offers and selected Ulster University for her degree. This is a fantastic achievement which has had a positive impact on her confidence and self-esteem. It has been lovely to see her belief in herself grow and for her to recognise what she can achieve.”
Nikki concluded, “We look forward to keeping in touch with Rhianna and Amy throughout their studies and wish them every success as they continue their journeys towards becoming qualified nurses.”
Find out more about Health and Social Care programmes at SERC.
