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The University of Southampton
Health Sciences Postgraduate study

Amy Alice  Russell MSc Adult Nursing, 1st Year

PG Student

Amy Alice  Russell's Photo

Hi, I'm Amy and I study MSc Adult Nursing at the University of Southampton.

The most insightful thing I have learnt in my time at Southampton so far is that nothing is impossible! If you want to progress, not only in your studies, but socially, there are always opportunities.

Why did you choose to come and study at Southampton?

Not only was the University of Southampton in an ideal location with easy accessibility and a great number of things to do around the area, attending the University was a no-brainer when it came to the reputation they held. Not only did it stand out as a Russell Group University, its worldwide reputation for nursing is outstanding. I also found that after attending the selection sessions at the University, it made the decision even easier, the faculty were so welcoming and supportive, and made you feel completely at ease throughout the whole process.

What is it like studying here?

I think the whole atmosphere at the University of Southampton makes it so easy to study in this environment. Not only are the faculties so welcoming and helpful, the facilities you have on site make it a wonderful place filled with endless opportunities, whether that may be sports clubs, nights outs, or spending time in the library; which, is full of all the help and support you could need in your studies.

What is the most inspiring or insightful thing you have learnt or discovered in your time at Southampton?

The most insightful thing I have learnt in my time at Southampton so far is that nothing is impossible! If you want to progress, not only in your studies, but socially, there are always opportunities. I feel since being at the University I have grown so much, and have already put myself forward for new opportunities both in and out of the University. It is amazing what you discover by studying here.

Please tell us about a moment when you learnt something at Southampton, which reinforced or changed your mind about your direction in life.

Hearing about the opportunities the teaching staff have had in their nursing careers, to work their way up to where they are currently has really inspired me. I truly believe that once I am settled and experienced in my nursing career I would love to branch out and maybe return to the University of Southampton to teach future prospective nurses – something I never would have even considered before now!

How do you rate the study facilities at the University?

On a scale of 1-10, I would definitely give the facilities at the University at 10. I have never seen a campus that has so much available to the students! The library is the most amazing library I have seen at a University, with endless resources available, and staff who are amazing at helping you achieve skills vital to your studies. Not only this, but the sporting opportunities, the sports centre, and activities to keep fit and healthy whilst studying are endless. I am also a massive foodie, and the places to eat and drink around campus are the best – there is literally something for everyone!

Have you undertaken any work placements, collaborations with industry, internships, studying abroad or volunteering? How have these enhanced your experience?

Work placements as part of the nursing course are something all nursing students look forward to. Due to COVID-19 these have been difficult to fulfil, however, I have been amazed at how well the University have handled the process on our behalf. Their level of communication, support, and willingness to respond to our concerns has been an experience in itself and I will forever be grateful. The emergency placement I am on currently has been outstanding in ensuring that I am still learning and developing in my nursing knowledge, whilst being able to offer a vital helping hand during the COVID outbreak. I think being able to help out in such a difficult time, has enhanced my desire to succeed and join the workforce as such a vital team member.

What are you most proud of from your time at Southampton so far?

Since being at the University of Southampton I have developed a level of confidence I never had in my previous degree. I feel I have become so much more outgoing and willing to take on every opportunity. The University have been amazing at supporting us as individuals and I really think that has helped me develop as a student, and as a future nurse, in so many ways.

What do you think you have gained from your studies that you wouldn’t have developed without them?

Confidence! I cannot express this enough! I always thought I was a confident person, especially in the workplace, but I realised when joining Southampton, I had such little confidence in putting myself out there to others. By attending the University, I have so much more confident to represent, support, and encourage my cohort, which I never would have done previously. I have always dreamt of entering my nursing career and being able to work my way up to ward manager, or even Matron one day, and I feel I have the ability and confidence to do that now, all thanks to the support I receive at the University!

Have you undertaken any extracurricular activities? How have they enhanced your experience?

During my time at the University so far, I have made it my challenge to ensure I am developing my confidence in being a role model in my program, which I believe has been vital in the level of self-belief I hold going into placements, and in the confidence I will display when qualifying come January 2022. In doing so, I have so far taken the opportunity to become a student ambassador aiding in nursing selection days, I am the MSc Nursing student rep for my cohort, and I have recently been appointed to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Student Nurse Council under HEE and Solent NHS Trust to aid in the development in the future of student nursing and in that of the future nursing workforce.

What will you do with your degree/research after you have finished your studies?

When I finish my studies, I hope to immediately enter the workforce as a Band 5 staff nurse. I am hoping that what I will have learnt at the University of Southampton will come across in my practice ability.

Who will you keep in touch with from Southampton once you graduate and why?

All the wonderful friends I have made during my time at the University, they have been absolutely fab already, so supportive! And academically, definitely Ellie Monger! She has already been absolutely wonderful in the time and effort she has put into our cohort, and ensuring our programme runs smoothly.

What will you miss the most about being at Southampton once you have finished your studies?

I do not think I can pinpoint just one thing! I feel like I am part of a community by studying at Southampton, I really do think I will miss that feeling!

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