BSc Midwifery (Registered Midwife)

MSc Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN): Health Visiting

What course did you study at the University of Bedfordshire?

I studied BSc in Midwifery (Registered Midwife) and MSc in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN): Health Visiting.

Why did you choose to study that particular course?

I chose to undertake the SCPHN course due to a keen interest in public health and improving health outcomes for children and families. Undertaking the Service Improvement dissertation module to gain the full masters accreditation has helped to develop my leadership skills within my professional role and will support my professional development as I progress in my career.

What areas of study did you enjoy most and why?

I most enjoyed the ‘Assessments and Interventions in SCPHN’ module due to its relevance to the role as a health visitor and also because it included the V100 prescribing exam which means I am now a community nurse prescriber.

What did you like most about the way the course was taught?

The course is delivered in a way that allows for a lot of group work and discussion, for me this helps to understand what I am learning and realise different viewpoints.

Which practical aspects of the course did you enjoy most and why?

I enjoyed the fact we were in our practice placement each week as the course was integrated, this kept practice fresh in our minds whilst being able to catch up with fellow students and our lecturers during the two study days per week where we could debrief and share our experiences.

What did you think of the University facilities?

The Universities facilities are easy to access, I spent a lot of time in the library to stop myself from procrastinating at home! I like that you can access any of the campuses and also find designated quiet spaces to work.

How did this course prepare you for employment?

This course allowed me to qualify as a health visitor in the NHS, the course was integrated and so we accessed both theory and practice, this meant that we were well supported by our tutors on a weekly basis, but also we didn’t spend too long out of practice. I think this prepared me for employment as being in practice each week helped secure the foundations of my learning and meant I continued to build new skills each week.

What skills did you learn as a result of your studies at the University of Bedfordshire?

The University encouraged me to work independently and have confidence in my own ability. The wide range of assessments meant I got plenty of experience in academic writing as well as oral presentations which is useful in working life and will support me throughout my career.

What career path have you taken since finishing your course?

I am now working as a full-time health visitor in the NHS, I champion newborn blood spot screening within my team and I am a super-user for a new texting service called ‘Chathealth’. I have also been able to go on to mentor pre-registration students.

What are you doing now? Who is your employer?

I work for Bedfordshire Community Health Services which is part of Cambridgeshire Community Services (CCS) as a health visitor/ SCPHN.

Did your degree help you on your career path and into your current post?

Yes, without the PgDip I wouldn’t be able to work as a health visitor, by completing my dissertation module and gaining the full MSc award I will be able to progress further in my role in the future.

Would you recommend this course to others?

Yes I would definitely recommend this course, it has allowed me to further my career in the NHS and has equipped me with the knowledge, skills and support to practice confidently, I would encourage anyone thinking of becoming a health visitor to go for it!