We chat with student nurse Lydia Herbert about her nursing ambitions

Find out what drew Lydia Herbert to nursing, what her nursing ambitions are once she passes her degree, and what work she’s done previously that’s prepared her for a nursing career.

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

I was a full time student in college on an Extended Diploma course and also worked full time as a care officer with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.

What made you want to train to become a nurse?

I really enjoyed my job as a carer, but I wanted to go to the next level and be able to help others as well as just care for them.

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

Yes, I’m a carer in the community.

How are you finding your nursing degree course so far?

It's exciting and giving me a good base for my knowledge, even though it’s very nerve-wracking.

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

Go for it! It will be hard work, but anything worth having is worth working for!

What area of nursing do you want to work in?

I'm unsure currently. However, critical care has been an area which I have looked into.

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

I'm unsure currently, I think it would depend on the job availability, location and what my duties would be.

What’s your long-term nursing career goal?

I would like to obtain a masters in nursing, and progress within my nursing career to a level I feel comfortable with.

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

I have not undergone any nursing itself as of yet.

But a session in clinical skills is very memorable for me.

We were doing vital signs, and I think it was whilst doing this that I realised I wanted to study to become a nurse.

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