Children’s Nursing graduate, Tanya Marlow, has followed her passion to become a Children’s Staff Nurse at the Royal Preston Hospital. We take up her journey and get some top tips on how to get the most out of your time at University.
After working as a Healthcare Assistant on an adult ward at the Royal Preston Hospital, a move to the children’s ward in 2013 saw her fall in love with the idea of being a children’s nurse. After getting some experience she applied to study BSc (Hons) Nursing (Children) here.
After graduating in 2017, Tanya immediately started work as a registered children’s nurse back at the hospital. It’s a role that’s brought other responsibilities and recognition. She set up a hospital youth forum, Youth Voice, which also fundraises to make improvements to children’s service, and was runner-up in the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust awards.
Tanya’s also volunteered as a nurse with Destination Florida, charity providing medical care for children with life limiting illnesses as they embark on a trip of a lifetime. And she won Student of the Year in the graduate category at the 2018 British Education Awards, after being nominated by her lecturers.
Today Tanya cares for children aged 0-16, on Ward 8 at the hospital. She’s responsible for the holistic assessment, care planning and treatment of children admitted for medical, surgical and mental health care. Tanya is able to triage, administer medication and provide lifesaving interventions.
Tanya’s favourite University memory is her elective placement in Sri Lanka.
"It was a truly life-changing and eye-opening trip and I will cherish the memories for the rest of my life."
In terms of what’s next, Tanya says: “I had some excellent and inspirational tutors and I would love to one day work in nursing education. I’m working towards this career goal by mentoring and facilitating simulation sessions for student nurses on the ward.”
When asked if she had any advice to give to graduates or prospective students, she says: “If you want to be a nurse but aren’t sure which specialism to study, gain experience by working or volunteering in your local hospital. Studying at the University of Central Lancashire will open up many opportunities, so put yourself out there, take every chance to get involved and experience everything.”