Megan Groves can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to be a nurse.
Now the University of Worcester student nurse hopes to provide care and comfort for patients and their families during times when contact between friends and family is limited, having just joined the NHS workforce.
Megan, who is one of 200 Worcester student nurses who have opted for a six month paid placement to help in the coronavirus pandemic, said: “Not having family or friends visiting any more means we need to make sure that patients have the extra comfort that they would normally provide. We want to care for the families too. It’s hard, but we’ll rise to the challenge as we always do.
“When we, as students, are working with the registered nurses we’re extra support and can help with those extra things needed by the patient. We’re in a unique position and it’s nice to be able to go sit with your patient and you can then relay that you have been with them to their family.”
Megan, a third year Adult Nursing student, said she had “mixed emotions” about the role and that it is “nerve-wracking because you don’t know what you are going to go into”, but says every placement is like that.
“It’s scary to be only three years into my course and have this major pandemic on our hands, but at the same time it’s quite exciting to know you can help people and use your skills on the frontline,” said the 20-year-old, from Nailsea, Bristol. “I became a nurse to help people who are vulnerable. That’s my duty.”
The former Backwell School pupil is now working at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital, which is where she has done her previous placements.
She added: “I know that my friends from the course, and the nurses and doctors, will all work together to support each other. I’ll also have that support from the University, which has been fantastic.”
Megan, who came to Worcester through Clearing, would like a career in emergency care and would one day like to do some humanitarian aid abroad to expand her skills. “I can’t actually remember a time when I didn’t want to be a nurse,” she said. “I love caring for people.” She added: “I couldn’t imagine going to a different university. The support and time I have had from lecturers has been second to none. My experience has helped me grow as a person. I used to be shy and lecturers said ‘you won’t be like that by the end’ and actually you’re not. You grow and become the best version of yourself. I have had tough shifts and experienced things I never thought I’d experience, but they’ve made me a better student nurse and a better nurse and to think I can do this and I’ll get through it.”