Hayley Rogers, BNurs 2015 | Staff Nurse

Hayley graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Honours degree in 2015, and is currently working as a Staff Nurse within the Trauma and Orthopaedic Ward at Good Hope Hospital in Birmingham. 

Can you tell us more about your current role?

I'm a staff nurse on a very busy trauma and orthopaedic ward at Good Hope Hospital. On this ward, we get patients from all walks of life, such as 16 year olds who have broken a bone, people with injuries from traumatic car crashes, to elderly patients who have fallen. I deal with fractures, head injuries and joint replacements. 

What do you love the most about your job and what is the biggest challenge?

I love the diversity and pace of my job. This role is very demanding and requires me to be constantly on the ball. No two patients are ever the same, which is something that I love! The biggest challenge of my job, is dealing with patients that are aggressive or confused. It's important to remember and recognise that there is a person behind the aggression and treat them with equal care and compassion.

How did your degree help prepare you for your career? What subjects/ modules/ experiences did you find the most valuable?

My placements on trauma, orthopaedics and neurosurgery gave me a fantastic insight into what my job would involve. I loved my placement on Ward 14 so much that I never left! I found it valuable to learn hands-on patient care, rather than learning things from textbooks; you can always research and read, but patient care is a skill that can only be learnt through experience and compassion.

What attracted you to studying at Birmingham?

The University of Birmingham is such a beautiful campus, and with it only being  20 minutes from my home, it was the clear choice for me. The nursing course offered is second to none, and I really loved the idea of placements at the brand new state-of-the-art Queen Elizabeth Hospital! 

How would you sum up your time in Birmingham in three words?

Crazy, insightful and valuable! 

What inspired you most during your time at Birmingham? For example, guest speakers, lecturers, research, friendships, extra-curricular activities.

I particularly admired one of my lecturers Amelia Swift; I loved the way that she was able to keep us all captivated, whilst being hilarious at the same time! I admired her passion for her subject, and it definitely sparked an interest within me. 

What tips/ advice would you give to people who are considering studying your course at Birmingham? 

Don't be scared to ask questions! Prepare for assignments well in advance and if you can, try and visit the wards of your placements before you start - it helps to put your mind at rest, and you can always find out about any studying that you may need to brush up on.

How would you advise people to make the most of their time on their course? 

Again, don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they're stupid! When on placements really get stuck in, try new experiences and try and get as many visit days or shadowing sessions as you can! If you have time, health care experience is invaluable, plus you can earn some money from this which is a bonus.

And finally, is there anything else you’d like to share?

I absolutely loved my time at the University, and I was so sad when it was time to finish! I have made some incredible friends along the way, who I know will always be there for me when I need them.