A Kingston University student secured a place on an adult nursing degree through Clearing after being inspired by how caring nurses were during a series of stays in hospital.
Darcie Boon, from Leatherhead in Surrey, had initially chosen to study biology at another university, but after her first year decided the subject was not quite right for her. Instead, she opted to follow her heart and work towards a career in nursing, after witnessing first-hand the impact nurses can have on patients.
Exploring her options, Darcie was drawn to Kingston University after learning about the reputation of its nursing provision and the fact it was within easy travelling distance of her home.
“I did consider a year out but I’m so glad I decided to phone Kingston University’s Clearing hotline instead,” she said. “The experience was incredibly reassuring and the process of having an interview and then being offered a place was so smooth. I’ve really enjoyed the first year of my course and am confident I made the right decision about where to study.”
Darcie has suffered with a number of chronic health conditions and believes that these experiences were an important part of her choice to pursue a nursing degree. “I can relate to people in hospital as I have been through a lot of the same situations they are in,” she said. “I was told for ages that I shouldn’t consider being a nurse because of my health and that I wouldn’t be able to handle it but, despite the physical challenges, I’m so proud I have now completed my first year.”
As well as having the opportunity to get to know students from a diverse range of backgrounds, one of the most positive aspects of the course for Darcie has been its practical nature – from the opportunities for work placements in hospitals to the sector-leading simulation suites available on campus. “The chance to learn on the job and really put into practice what we learn in the classroom straight away has been really rewarding,” she said.
Darcie advised students looking at their options so they could apply to university through Clearing this year to do their research and find a course that felt a good fit. “The step up from school to university is a big one,” she said. “My main piece of advice for any potential students would just to be prepared and make sure you really pursue the right course subject for you.”
Senior lecturer in adult nursing Clare Grey praised Darcie’s dedication to her studies. “Darcie’s success this year is proof that students who join the course through Clearing can really thrive,” she said. “I would urge anyone who wants to study adult nursing to ring the hotline on A-level results day to find out more.”
