Stepping into the lecture theatre at the UEA to teach on the MSc Adult Nursing and MSc Mental Health Nursing Pre-Registration courses has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my time here at the RCN so far.
I qualified from UEA in 2016 with my pre-registration nursing degree and completed my MSc in 2018, so standing at the front of the lecture hall where I once sat as a student felt like a full circle moment.
My lecture - How to approach endocrine conditions using a case study approach - was delivered to both mental health and adult nursing students. From diabetes to thyroid disorders, these topics sparked thoughtful discussions about how long-term conditions shape patients’ lives and how nurses can offer holistic, person-centred care.
It was a joy to see students engage with complex material, ask challenging questions and begin to see themselves as future leaders in health care. Additionally, I was able to showcase the benefits of being Â鶹ÊÓƵ student member and why joining post-qualification is essential for both trade union and professional body support.
One of the most inspiring aspects of teaching on this course has been the diversity of the student body, with international students adding depth to conversations and broadening perspectives on health care delivery across cultures. The courses offered by UEA also open doors to those with non-traditional backgrounds - reflecting the evolving nature of health care and the need for diverse voices in the profession.
These unique programmes, open to students from all walks of life - even those without a traditional health care background - offer a refreshing and inclusive approach to nursing education. This is made possible via Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) – a process that recognises and gives credit for learning that has occurred outside of university settings such as certified learning (degrees, diplomas or certificates) and experiential learning such as work experience or volunteering.
Many of the students I have met will go on to work with patients living with multiple long-term conditions, where empathy, adaptability and critical thinking are essential. That’s why I am committed to improving knowledge in this area and is why I worked with our Head of Student Nursing and King’s Nursing Cadets, Lorna Mayles, to develop the RCN Multimorbidity Resource - a tool designed to help nursing staff better understand and manage the complexities of multimorbidity. It’s a resource born out of the same ethos as the MSc courses - empowering professionals to deliver thoughtful, integrated care.
Teaching at UEA has reaffirmed my belief in the future of nursing and the need for student support, access to inclusive education and investment. I also feel my experience has been a great showcase for RCN Eastern and the work of higher education institutes in the area to work with RCN staff to support nursing staff of the future.
For more information about the MSc Adult Nursing preregistration course at UEA,
