Tracy Downings

BSc Child Nursing

“Why did you choose to study at Anglia Ruskin University?
Previously studied at Anglia Ruskin University. Predominant decision factors were; type of course and content, location.

What initially attracted you to your course?
Talking to current students, coupled with a strong desire to have a career working with children and their families. Structure of the course, and placements within Addenbrooke's hospital.

Which aspects of your course do you enjoy most and why?
Placements: I have enjoyed all my placements, not only does it give you the opportunity to gain hands on experience, but all the staff nurses, are exceptionally supportive and encouraging.

Has the course met/exceeded your expectations? If so, how?
The course has met my expectations for a number of reasons; including, supportive lecturers, good quality education and preparation for ward practice. Online facilities have improved dramatically since the beginning of my course, and I now consider them excellent and easy to use.

Why would you recommend your course to others?
Yes, I would definitely recommend the course to anyone, considering a career in nursing. The support is amazing, and you are well briefed for any academic work.


Please tell us about any special features that you have benefited from on your course.
For my authentic world exam (online), the student support service acquired an anti-glare screen for me to use during the examination. This was all pre-arranged, and made available to me on the day of the exam. Without this, I would have struggled to focus on the computer screen for an hour.


Has your course involved any work placements? If so how were these useful?
Yes, all my placements have been within Addenbrooke's hospital, and the surrounding community placements. They have all been exceptionally useful. I have been able to gain a lot of experience and knowledge in the different practice areas.


What are your ambitions/plans for the future, and how do you feel that your course will help you to achieve these?
My current ambition is to be a competent staff nurse. The course will help me to achieve this, by giving me a variety of placements in different specialist areas, to enable me to have hands on experience; And also good quality lectures that provide me with the knowledge that underpins practice.


How do you rate the support offered by both our teaching and support staff?
Exceptional. Both teaching and support staff will do all they can to support you. Whether that is the library staff, helping you to find books and articles, or student advisors supporting me with an extension. All the teaching staff, ensure they are available to talk, or easily accessible by email, and respond promptly.


How do you rate our facilities and resources on offer at our campuses?
The Fulbourn campus has all the facilities that any student should require, including, excellent catering facilities and a wireless network in the common room. The library at both Peterborough and Fulbourn are compact, but excellent, and staff will happily order books for you from other sites.


Please tell us about any course/Faculty specific facilities that you have found useful during your studies.
Wireless network in the student common room. Particularly useful, whether you want to check on personal emails, or work on assignments.

How do you find fitting you studies around your outside commitments including work, family etc?
Surprisingly, my family have slipped into a flexible routine. The only difficulty I have found, is the holiday weeks, not coinciding with school holidays. Fortunately, my daughter is 17, so more than capable to look after herself, but this may be something that other students need to consider carefully.


How would you sum up your experience of studying at Anglia Ruskin course so far?
An exceptionally supportive environment, in which you are given first class educational opportunities, and practical experience within the hospital wards.
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