A Herefordshire mum has spoken of her joy at having the opportunity to work in the very hospital that has played a huge part in her life.
Tracey Wright is fulfilling a lifelong ambition to become a nurse and as part of her training has spent much of her placement time working in Hereford County Hospital.
"I was born in Hereford hospital and I had my son in Hereford hospital," she said. "So to have the opportunity to work there has been amazing."
Tracey, who lives in Shobdon, is currently working in the Special Care Baby Unit at the hospital, as she nears the completion of her second year of training at the University of Worcester. She is studying on the University's Child Nursing BSc and will qualify next year.
"From my earliest memories I always wanted to be a nurse," said the 45-year-old. "But when I was young other life choices took over; I had my son and got a job working for a supermarket. Later I went on to work as Higher Level Teaching Assistant in my son's school.
"But underneath I always knew I wanted to be a children's nurse; it never really went away from me. So three years ago I took the decision to go for it."
Tracey completed an Access Course at Herefordshire College of Technology, which prepared her to start her full degree.
"The Access Course was fantastic," she said. "I'd been out of education for such a long time that I was worried about how I would cope academically. However, I can't praise the College and the course leaders enough. It was superb preparation."
"Coming to University was a huge decision, but I knew it was now or never for me," she added. "And I'm so pleased I went for it. I absolutely love the course, I've had so much support from the lecturers and my mentors, and to finally have the chance to do the job I've always wanted is so fulfilling."
Tracey said she would be looking to get a permanent job at the County Hospital on completion of her course next year.
Anyone interested in finding out more about a career in nursing in Hereford is invited to a special roadshow event at Hereford County Hospital on Saturday, July 15. Staff and students from the University of Worcester's Nursing programmes will be joined by staff from the Wye Valley NHS Trust to provide information about training and finances and offer practical advice about how to get into the profession. Visitors can also have a go at practising some nursing skills at the event, which runs from 10am to 4pm in the Educational Development Centre at the Hospital.
Tracey said: "To anyone thinking about a career in nursing I would say just go for it; no matter how old you are. I know people are worried about the academic side, money and even childcare. But if you take time to find out lots of information, you will find that there is a way, there is lots of support, and like me, you can achieve a lifelong ambition."
For more information about the event contact Jo Thomas, Senior Lecturer and Admissions Tutor, at j.thomas@worc.ac.uk or on 01905 855564.
For more information about Nursing degrees at the University of Worcester click here.