Joanne Tonkyn

BSc Adult Nursing

“I have been studying to become a nurse at Anglia Ruskin University for two years now. My studies are split 50% of my time in practice and 50% in University. I have spent the majority of my placements in a local NHS trust hospital.

I feel that I have gained so much through my studies and grown in confidence considerably. I have had the opportunity to care for extremely sick and vulnerable patients, using the skills taught in theory, to ensure they receive high standards of care and support.

We are encouraged by the University to reflect on our experiences on the wards as it is a tool which helps us learn from situations. It was through reflecting on an incident I had experience in practice which led to me being nominated for an award by the Royal College of Nursing.

I had written a short reflection and had sent it to them not expecting to hear back. However they contacted me in January to invite me to their headquarters in London to give a presentation on patient safety. I had been shortlisted to the final 2 for student nurse of the year award.

The reflection was based on an incident which had happened in practice. I had witnessed a drug error being made, however the nurse had made no steps to inform anyone. I had to become the patient's advocate and report the incident. I subsequently had to go to the nursing and midwifery council and testify.

Being nominated has given me such an enormous boost of confidence. I feel happy that being taught by my tutors to reflect helped me become nominated for this prestigious award. I would advise other nursing students to reflect on experiences in practice. It is rewarding to read back through them and see how much they have given throughout their training.I think being nominated will help me when I qualify as it has shown that I can recognise when patients need an advocate and how to manage situations like this confidently, safely and effectively.

Why did you choose to study at Anglia Ruskin University?
I was aware of the Cambridge University Hospital's (Addenbrookes) fantastic reputation and wanted the chance to be taught at a hospital renowned for its high standard of care

Has the course met/exceeded your expectations? If so, how?
Yes, I was impressed with the high standards of care on the ward as well as being taught to a high level by experienced tutors and lecturers.

How do you rate the support offered by both our teaching and support staff?
I rate it highly, my tutor currently takes time out of his working hours to prepare the students for an exam in March. My issues are also resolved quickly.


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