After ten years working across hospitals, GP surgeries and the community, I decided it was time to bring everything I'd learned together in one role and help transform the services we provide.
Not just a job, but a calling
I grew up surrounded by healthcare professionals; I’m actually a fourth-generation nurse! From an early age, I was fascinated by the human body and when my mum studied for her Advanced Life Support course, I’d sneakily read her coursebook while she slept after night shifts. I was curious about why people become unwell, and how we can support them.
My academic journey wasn't traditional. I attended SEN schools following an AuDHD diagnosis, and when a careers advisor once told me nursing wasn't a realistic path for me, my teenage stubbornness kicked in. I became the first student at my school to attend university. It taught me how much lived experience, unique problem-solving skills and neurodivergence professionals can bring to healthcare.
Why Southampton
I’ve worked in Southampton for over 10 years and knew the University through its reputation for quality teaching. I experienced that first-hand seven years ago, when I was fortunate to take a mentoring module here. When I decided to pursue advanced practice, I wanted the best possible guidance and support, and that’s exactly what I got from every lecturer and tutor.
Gaining clarity
The prescribing module pushed me the hardest. I thought: ‘if I can do this, I can do anything’. Understanding how drugs affect the body was fascinating, but it was also the most intense learning experience I ever had. I was planning for my wedding at the same time and while my partner was talking about seating arrangements, I was talking about liver enzymes! But the support from him and my classmates got me through it.
The Transition to Advanced Practice module made me stop and think about what type of caregiver I’d become and what comes next. I’d spent so much energy on becoming an ACP, I’d not thought about what I would do when I was one; this module gave me that clarity.
I was never without support – I struggled with statistics during the diagnostics module. But this taught me that it’s ok to ask for extra help. You are a student for a reason and are not expected to be able to grasp everything all at once. My dissertation supervisor, Annie, was hugely helpful too, and seeing how active research can directly improve clinical practice has stayed with me since.
The MSc let me explore what it really meant to be a healthcare professional and opened my mind to potential career paths.
Tom, MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Advanced Nurse Practitioner)
Finding balance
Returning to academic study after 10 years, on top of full-time work, was daunting. But I knew how much I stood to gain, and having a supportive family and employer made it possible. The course and the University have given me access to world-leading clinical academics, who are caring for patients locally, and that’s given me a far greater understanding of the health system I work in and how I can help improve it.
Life in Southampton
Southampton has the best of both worlds; a vibrant city with lots to do and then New Forest and South Downs just a short drive away with peaceful countryside. There’s a real community feel on campus too with lots of places to study and unwind with people. The lawn and valley behind the Turner Sims building is a great place to sit and relax between lectures in the summer months.
Becoming the leader I want to be
I’ve never wanted to be a manager, but I do want to effect change. Becoming an ACP means I get to use everything I've learned, clinical and personal, to make a real difference for patients, without stepping into management. It's the leadership role I always wanted: not managing people, but improving lives.