A group of Portsmouth nursing students who were among the first to volunteer with the NHS to fight Covid-19 back in March of this year, have now graduated as qualified nurses.
The nursing students were in their final year of studying, but responded immediately when the pandemic struck, helping frontline health workers treat patients across the region. The group have now graduated, as the School of Health and Care Professions third cohort of registered adult nurses.
Four years after the commencement of the BN (Hons) Nursing (Adult) course, students of the January 2018 intake are now ready for the next step in their nursing careers, and can seek registration as adult nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Associate Head (Programmes), Dr Isobel Ryder and Course Lead Pauline McKeever joined the students to celebrate their achievements virtually, in the presence of peers, practice learning partners, academics and honoured guests.
This group of Adult Nursing students were among the first of Portsmouth’s students to be deployed to support the NHS, during the current pandemic. They have worked in a variety of NHS settings, including intensive care, emergency department, oncology, acute medicine and community settings.
In 2019, the University of Portsmouth became the first university to be awarded accreditation for its nursing programme, by the Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare. As the third cohort for the university, the adult nursing students have been ambassadors for the programme, engaging in the process of giving feedback as the course has evolved and helping improve it for future cohorts.
Dr Ryder said: “We are delighted to be able to celebrate the success and achievements of our third cohort of Adult Nursing students who have achieved this in the most difficult circumstances.
“This group of Adult Nursing students were among the first of Portsmouth’s students to be deployed to support the NHS, during the current pandemic. They have worked in a variety of NHS settings, including intensive care, emergency department, oncology, acute medicine and community settings. This was during the first wave of the pandemic and took place alongside completing the academic and professional requirements of their course.
“Their contribution has been outstanding and we are so pleased to be able to show our pride in their success. We look forward to an actual celebration in 2021.”
