Solomon's story: “My OU Nursing degree means I now work at the same hospital I was born in”

Unsure of what to do after finishing school, Solomon Jones, 26, bounced around a few careers before finding his place – one that is very close to home.

“Nursing is in my family. My mum and auntie are nurses, my nan was a phlebotomist – even my pap worked as a hospital porter. Despite that, I didn’t think it was for me. It looked too stressful. I was a very middling student, my teachers said I was ‘a coaster’, and I didn’t really want to go to uni. I got a job at 16 and hopped about – doing everything from baking bread to designing bank apps!

“I finally wound up working within the NHS and went on to become a Health-care Assistant. That’s when I realised what I wanted to do.”

Self-starting

“I signed up for the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship at The Open University (OU) off my own back. It was the best option for me as I had no A Levels and I also needed to earn while I learned. The NHS Trust I was working for was hiring apprentice nurses, so I applied. They covered my costs and provided me with a mentor.

“Working and studying was challenging. I was living in a bedsit, trying to eat, sleep and study all in one room. I was also the Chair of my NHS Trust’s LGBTQ+ staff network – doing everything from sitting on interview panels, reviewing policies and procedures to hosting events. All while trying to be a student and work full time. It was intense.”

Picturing the end goal

“To keep going, I took a photo of my head and stuck it onto a picture of my future nurse’s uniform. It’s really cringe to look at it now, but it worked. Every time I was struggling, I looked at that photo and it pushed me forward.

“The other thing I did was write my name out with my qualification at the end of it. I’d say to others to do whatever motivates them and don’t feel silly about it.”

Right at home

“My graduation day was special, held at a beautiful location in Ely. About 30 of my friends and family met me afterwards for brunch… I ended the night in my sage-green suit and Vivienne Westwood necklace singing I Am What I Am in a karaoke bar!

“Everyone around me was very supportive about my decision to go into nursing – they’re proud there’s another one in the family. I honestly couldn’t have done it without them. My auntie would sit me with as I read through the same essay five times, then cook me dinner. I’m now working in the same hospital where I was born. It feels like a real full-circle moment.”

Still, and forever, learning

“After graduating, I went to work in A&E. In my first few days, while listening to the nurses, I realised I still had so much to learn. It was like being a student again. I can remember my first time assisting in Resus, where patients with life-threatening illnesses and injuries are treated. I was really scared. But now, a year later, I’ve been in charge of the same area. I’ve amazed myself with how much I know. The OU has given me the opportunity to do that.

“That would be one piece of advice I’d give to other student nurses: a degree will equip you for all the learning you’ll do on the shop floor. Also, learning will flow in all directions. My mentors have taught me so much, but I’ve also had people who qualified in the 1970s saying they’ve learned things from me too.”

Influencing real change

“Growing up, I had thought about being a teacher and that side of nursing appeals to me – I already have student nurses that I look after. Being an advocate for my patients is also hugely important to me. I want to get to a stage where I can have an impact on clinical practice, whether that’s as a Head Nurse, Matron or even higher.

“I was recently asked to speak at a secondary school’s LGBTQ+ club. Seeing the difference between that and my own high-school experience showed me how far society has come. It was like being in the twilight zone: here was a club for kids to speak openly about who they are in a safe space. They were able to ask me about my life and any discrimination I’d faced. They also wanted to know what gory things I’ve seen while working in A&E!”

Sailing off into the sunset

“My ultimate goal is to work as a nurse on cruise ships. Before that’s possible, I’ll need three years postgraduate experience in A&E or intensive care, as well as Advance Life Support training, and then I can go. I’ll get to see the world and do the job I love. And because the role is a registered professional, cruise ship nurses are classed as officers. I’d even get to host people at my own table!”

Read about Solomon's nomination for a Mary Seacole Award at the Student Nursing Times Awards, for his outstanding contribution to diversity and inclusion. 

Read about Solomon's experiences of being a student nurse during the pandemic. 

Find out more about nursing and healthcare courses at the OU.

Discover LGBTQ+ student groups at the OU.