Amy Goodman, MKUH Nursing student

The next few years look very full! I’m getting married in September 2017 so am currently busy with wedding plans, in addition to which I’m buying a house. I’m due to finish my degree studies in September 2018, but having really enjoyed a placement in a respiratory ward in my first year, I’ve already decided that I want to specialise in respiratory nursing.

After passing my GCSEs, I went on to study for A levels in French and philosophy, but didn’t enjoy either subject so I left school. I’d often thought about being a nurse and it was while accompanying my Nan to hospital that I realised how much I wanted to work in this environment. I got a job as a healthcare assistant and spent the next four years at my local hospital, gaining experience in a number of different areas. I also began to explore how I might become a nurse.

Sometime later, I attended an open day at the hospital and applied for a place on the OU’s adult nursing degree programme; I remember having to write an essay on dignity as part of the application process. Secondments had started to become available at the hospital and I knew that if I were to secure one I’d be able to carry on working and earning, but could study towards my degree at the same time. In addition, the NHS would fund my studies. I was one of only four successful candidates, although I understand that over 40 applied.

I already knew about the OU, having previously completed a module on dementia. The teaching and learning methods suit me; I like the flexibility and being able to work at home and at my own pace.

I’m really enjoying my studies so far. My tutors have been really good, very quick to respond to emails. Their TMA feedback is detailed; I always use it when preparing my next assignment. My practice tutor holds face-to-face meetings and I get together with my mentor regularly. There are also phone tutorials, so all in all you get plenty of support. Passing my first year was a real highlight, as was getting a place on the degree programme when so many others had applied and been turned down.

I like the learning materials a lot and take my books everywhere. I also like the online aspects such as the computer-marked assignments (CMAs) as you get instant feedback, so you’re learning all the time. Of the audio-visual materials I especially like the video extracts, and the case studies are really interesting as you get to know each case in depth.

The OU makes it easy to interact with other students. For example, the online tutor group forum is good for moral support; you can post questions and answers to the forum and reading other students’ posts gives you new ideas and a different perspective on issues. I also meet up with the students who work at my hospital and we discuss what we’re studying over a cup of coffee; this is another valuable source of support.

Although I’m only in the second year of my degree, my self-confidence has increased already and I’m a lot more self-motivated. I now have greater knowledge too, of course – for example, of different types of medication – and my studies have enabled me to link theory to practice, so I now have a better understanding of the medical reasons behind taking someone’s blood pressure or requesting a urine sample from a patient, for instance.

I’d definitely recommend the OU to anyone who may be considering studying. Just go for it, it’s brilliant. You can make it work around your life. I still work eleven and a half hours a week as a healthcare assistant and because my time management skills have improved thanks to the OU’s teaching methods, I’m able to fit my studies in at times to suit me. I had to take five months off study recently due to a knee operation, but the OU was very supportive and flexible, so I’ve been able to get back on track quite easily.