Mature student realises dream of becoming learning disability nurse thanks to Kingston University

Martin Chukwu, a final year mature student shares why he chose to pursue learning disability nursing at Kingston University and how the skills and knowledge he has acquired on the course are helping him to pursue his career ambitions.

Why did you decide to study nursing at Kingston University?

I always wanted to pursue a degree in healthcare and even my friends always pointed out that they saw qualities in me which were well suited for healthcare. I applied through UCAS and was determined to get into Kingston University as I heard lots of good things about it from my friends who studied there.

Initially, I enrolled onto the adult nursing course. While studying, I noticed challenges faced by people with learning disabilities and mental health issues and conducted thorough research about learning disabilities and health inequalities. This prompted me to switch to learning disability nursing, which I have found very fulfilling.

How did you find the process of switching to another course?

Even though I anticipated some difficulties, the transition was straightforward, and I am very grateful to the staff, who made it clear that they were there to guide me through the entire process. Their encouragement and support played a significant role in my decision and made the transition as easy as possible.

How do you think the knowledge you have acquired during your studies at Kingston University can help you in your future career?

 The knowledge I have gained at Kingston University has given me confidence and prepared me for real-world challenges. The theoretical teaching provided a strong foundation, while practical experience has allowed me to apply what I have learnt in a real healthcare setting, which has been invaluable.

During the course I have completed around seven placements. The university was very supportive in helping me secure most of these placements, for example with Croydon University Hospital and community settings such as Merton council. The variety of placements offered a comprehensive experience to prepare us for effective practice after graduation.

As soon as I become registered as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, I am planning to stay in the field of nursing because it has been my lifelong dream. I have got an offer for a job in mental health support services for children and adolescents with learning disabilities and autism. I plan to work in this field to provide support to individuals with learning disabilities and give back to the society.

What advice would you give to people who want to pursue learning disabilities nursing?  

Learning disability nursing is a rewarding field that covers a wide range of age groups, from children to adults. The field addresses health inequalities faced by individuals with learning disabilities. It's a fantastic course because it allows you to support individuals who may not even realise they're unwell. There are abundant job opportunities in various settings such as prisons, forensics, communities, and hospitals. It's a field worth exploring for its impact and there are so many job opportunities out there for those who would like to pursue this path.