Nicola Scregg

My inspiration to become a Learning Disability Nurse came from when I was working as a carer/support worker for small private companies within the North West. Although I enjoyed many aspects of my job, I found that every care company lacked patient centred care and did not have the best interests of the patients that needed the care, or the staff that were providing this care. My other inspiration is my younger brother who sustained a brain injury and other mental health problems. As my brother was going through rehabilitation, I was able to assist him through these life changing times and improve his knowledge which enabled him to make informed decisions of the care and treatment he was receiving. I would like to advocate and assist others who may not have the friends or family support during their most vulnerable times of need. Furthermore, I would like to enhance better quality of care for people with learning disabilities.

I enjoyed studying at the University of Chester as I felt the lecturers were friendly and approachable. I was supported emotionally throughout my training and I have gained friends for life. The Riverside Campus provides exceptionally high quality facilities for the School of Nursing and Midwifery courses and the location is great for students to study and socialise alongside being part of a great community. I believe the campus is special as it is continuously making improvements and the technology used within each lecture enables learning to be more inclusive. I have received excellent pastoral and academic support which has led me to opportunities to develop my professional, academic and clinical skills which is required to be a competent and professional Learning Disability Nurse.

Throughout my time studying, I enjoyed participating within the simulation labs. Simulations on this course are essential as it enables students to improve on skills they may not yet of experienced and enable the students to work within scenario-based activities in a non-threatening and non-judgemental environment. Furthermore, it enables the student to receive feedback in order to improve personal development. I found this to be useful for my style of learning as I like to be active and hands-on so when I did attend my placements, I wasn’t nervous as I felt I had gained some knowledge and experience.

I aspire to become the best possible nurse I can be and contribute in providing the highest quality of care for every patient I work with alongside their families, friends and carers. I believe it is vital to educate communities which would reduce the stigma around people with learning disabilities and enable care in the community which will encourage independent living and improve social skills for forming relationships with different groups of people. In result of these changes, health inequalities will reduce, and people will live a happy and healthy lifestyle.