Q+A with April Baker, student nurse

April Baker is a first year nursing student at Plymouth University. We interview her to see how she's getting on with her studies, and what led her to study nursing in the first place.

Thanks to April for giving us a few minutes out of her studies to answer these questions. We’re always interested to find out from student nurses what inspires them to commit themselves to nursing.

If you’ve ever considered a job as a nurse, you might be interested to read April’s thoughts below!

What were you doing before you started studying as a nurse?

Before I started my course I had just finished a course at Cornwall college where I studied a health and social care level 3 extended diploma.

What made you want to train to become a nurse?

I want to help change peoples lives. I'm a nice friendly person and I thought a nurse would be a good role for me and make me feel like I've served a purpose in life. 

Do you have a part-time job while you study - if so, what is it?

Yes, at the moment I have a part time job. It's in a cafe in Redruth which is easy to get to.

During the summer holidays it was full-time but now I only work every Saturday. If I could work another day then I would!

The job requires me to communicate with other people and interact so it's helping with those skills that I’ll need as a nurse. 

How are you finding your nursing degree course so far?

My nursing degree is going fine, just getting to learn some of the policies and basics before we get onto the main elements of the course.

However, we have already done our first module!

What would you say to someone who’s considering a degree in nursing?

If someone was considering doing a nursing degree, I would tell them to do it! Go for it!

You only live once so make the most of it.

If you are a caring person and it's never too late to get in to nursing, no matter what age you are.

If you have any experience that's great too because it all counts even if it's not within a caring role. 

What nursing specialism do you want to work in?

I do have some ideas of the areas I’m interested in, but this could change by my third year. 

I haven't been on a placement yet - once I do that I might know more.

So I'm not sure what area I will end up in yet. And there’s no need to decide now.

If you had the choice, would you prefer to work for the NHS or for a private healthcare company?

I'm not sure where I would prefer to work. Although there is bad press about the NHS, I think it’s a great organisation (which only we have) and I would be privileged to work under it. 

What’s your long-term nursing career goal?

My long term nursing career ambition is to be able to work in different areas and perhaps become a mentor to students to help them. 

Do you yet have a memorable / poignant / story from your time working/studying as a nurse?

Not yet, I’m just very grateful to get on the course and excited to get started!