Lindsay Stone

BSc (Hons) Palliative Care

“Why did you choose to study at Anglia Ruskin University?
I had previously studied at Anglia Ruskin University and it is also my local university. I really like the library facilities and with this course in particular the support and one to one teaching was excellent. The groups were small and I find this is the best way to learn and to really engage in education. I was able to meet one of the tutors to pick out my modules and could base my learning around what I needed. From the start I wasn't just another student to get through the course; they invested in me and I absorbed everything I learnt. The course is fantastic and career changing.

What initially attracted you to your course?
I am a paediatric nurse working in a children's hospice. I was looking for a palliative care course to provide me with a professional qualification to base my practice on. Courses I looked at where not in-depth enough and I wanted to network locally and share experiences with external colleagues. Within my workplace we also have a separate adult hospice, and my adult colleagues had previously studied and recommended the course to me. I was able to negotiate to do the course, but from a paediatric perspective. This was quite nerve wrecking at first as I was only person from a children's hospice and this was also a first for the lecturers.

Which aspects of your course do you enjoy most and why?
The class was small and this meant that we all participated, debated and shared experiences. The tutors are current and up to date - they really are lead figures in palliative care. They have a real passion and expertise and this encapsulates you. All teaching is evidence based and the tutors share their own experiences and we always learnt something from each other. The tutors have the newest policies/ strategies and I immensely enjoyed being involved in the forefront of the hospice movement. Whilst the children's hospice movement is not as developed, I was able to take back to my workplace the way forward and where we would be heading. Every module was pertinent; from dealing with difficult conversations, to practical examinations, complex symptom management and the questioning of my own role and where I wanted to be in my career.

Has the course met/exceeded your expectations? If so, how?
The course far exceeded my expectations. It made me think back to the reflective practitioner I always should be and ensured evidence based practice. I was able to come away and change my workplace practice and was empowered to by the tutors. The children and bereavement module was particularly interesting as it made me really think about complicated grief, grief theories and how the practitioner has an essential role after a child has died. My colleagues and tutors from the course continue to be a resource and this is essential to palliative care.

Would you recommend your course to others?
Yes, definitely. I have put one of my team through the course and another has just completed a module.

Please tell us about any special features that you have benefited from on your course.
What helped make the course was the environment that was created. We were able to talk openly and honestly about some very tough aspects of palliative care. The tutors allowed us to explore aspects I would not have questioned before which makes you feel at times vulnerable. But with the environment created it is safe and this is the ideal way to learn and improve.

Please tell us about any links with industry that you have benefited from on your course.
I have met colleagues from adult hospices and from a young adult's hospice. It also allowed me to learn about the role of the district nurse, Macmillan team and support and therapeutic services. I have been able to share resources, and know who to refer to for support and management. Additionally it has improved the transition services from children's to adult services in the hospice I work in.

Are you currently employed, if so what is your job title?
Yes - whilst I was undertaking my course my role was extended. I have undertaken a new role - Lead nurse for Children's Service. I am responsible for the day to day running of the hospice.

How do you feel that your studies at Anglia Ruskin will help you in your current job?
I am current and able to ensure practice is evidence based. I can be a role model for my colleagues. I act as a resource for symptom management and complex care and pass this knowledge on to staff and families. I also undertake an on call system, which the skills I learnt allow me to provide appropriate advice and action where needed.

What are your ambitions/plans for the future, and how do you feel that your course will help you to achieve these?
I want to continue to cement my practice in my current role. I wish to expand the service and look to providing end of life care in the community. Children and their families currently do not have a choice about their place of death and I would like to explore setting up this service.

How do you rate the support offered by both our teaching and support staff?
Excellent. They are always there for you. Some of the lecturers have just finished studies, so really know what it is like to work full time and complete study.

How do you rate our facilities and resources on offer at our campuses?
The libraries at Chelmsford and St Helena are fantastic.

Please tell us about any course/Faculty specific facilities that you have found useful during your studies.
The library (and the open access to it) in Chelmsford.

What was the favourite aspect of your non-academic life? i.e. any social/sporting activities.
Meeting colleagues working within palliative care.

How do you find fitting you studies around your outside commitments including work, family etc?
Sometimes I found it very challenging, but you are so motivated (because the course is excellent) that study becomes your life. Since ending the course I have really missed studying.

How would you sum up your experience of studying at Anglia Ruskin course so far?
It made me realise that palliative care is the right choice for me and gave me the skills and knowledge to be involved in caring for a child at the end of life and after death. You only have one chance to get it right and this course provided me with the skills to do this.”