Jess R

What do you like about your course and why?

I love the variety that the course offers and the balance between academic learning, clinical simulation and placement. Every aspect of the course has helped me develop not only my clinical knowledge but also communication, resilience and critical thinking skills, as well as learning how therapeutic relationships can positively influence a person's recovery. Seeing the difference that empathy, compassion and effective communication can make has reinforced why I chose this profession.

The support from the teaching staff has also been exceptional throughout my time at Surrey. They are genuinely invested in helping every student succeed and are passionate about developing us into the best nurses we can be. Their encouragement, support and expertise have given me the confidence to challenge myself and make the most of every learning opportunity.

"As mental health nurses in the Real Time Simulation event we had scenarios including a hospital psychiatric liaison, a community mental health team and a Section 136 assessment suite. It was an invaluable experience that brought together everything we learn in the classroom and on placement."

What do you enjoy most about Surrey?

What I enjoy most about Surrey is the supportive community. As a mature student joining the course after working for years in the equine industry, I was initially nervous about returning to education. However, I quickly felt welcomed by both staff and fellow students, and the support throughout the course has made the transition much easier.

One of the reasons I chose Surrey was its outstanding Clinical Simulation Centre. The opportunity to practise in realistic clinical environments, using professional simulation actors to develop my communication skills, gave me confidence that I would be well prepared before starting clinical placements.

I'm also proud to be a Student Representative for my course, which has given me the opportunity to work closely with academic staff and represent the views of my cohort. It's been a rewarding experience that has allowed me to contribute to improving the student experience.

What have your clinical placements involved? What were the highlights?

My favourite placement so far has been on an acute inpatient mental health ward. It allowed me to put everything I'd learned at university into practice while continuing to develop my skills and clinical confidence. Seeing service users make progress, even through small steps, reminded me why I chose this career. 

I have also had the opportunity to participate in the Real Time Simulation event, where students from across the School of Health Sciences come together to manage realistic, evolving patient scenarios like we would when we qualify. Working alongside students from different healthcare professions using professional simulation actors as our patients. As mental health nurses we had scenarios including a hospital psychiatric liaison, a community mental health team and a Section 136 assessment suite. It was an invaluable experience that brought together everything we learn in the classroom and on placement.

"I'd love to combine my background in the equine industry with my career as a mental health nurse by incorporating equine assisted therapy into patient recovery."

What do you want to do when you graduate?

After graduating, I hope to work on an acute inpatient mental health ward as a registered mental health nurse. My placement experience confirmed that this is where I see myself building my career. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of the ward environment, working within a multidisciplinary team and supporting people through some of the most challenging periods of their recovery. Further down the line, I'd love to combine my background in the equine industry with my career as a mental health nurse by incorporating equine assisted therapy into patient recovery. I believe this holistic approach has the potential to support recovery, build confidence and enhance wellbeing alongside traditional mental health interventions to help support patients.

What advice would you give to students thinking of studying your course?

Don't let your age or a previous career put you off. I joined the course as a mature student and it has been one of the best decisions I've ever made.  If you're passionate about supporting people and making a difference, mental health nursing is an incredibly rewarding career. Make the most of every opportunity Surrey offers, whether that's simulation, placements or getting involved in student life. Ask questions, embrace new experiences and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone because you'll be amazed at how much you grow in confidence throughout the course.

Find out more about our Mental Health Nursing BSc