Croydon College alumna, Makeda Blake-Robinson returned to the college to speak with Access to Nursing, Nursing in Work and Midwifery students. The qualified nurse of nearly two years shared her journey into nursing.
After studying Access to Nursing at Croydon College, Makeda went to Kingston University where she completed an undergraduate bachelor’s honours degree in Adult Nursing. Since qualifying, she’s worked in the community as a district nurse.
Makeda told the students that she completed 2,300 placements hours in Adult Nursing covering a wide range of areas including clinical, surgical, primary care, and mental health. The alumna went on to explain that adult nursing has a very broad remit so students can expect to experience many aspects, even childcare nursing. This gives them the opportunity to discover what field they really enjoy.
The qualified nurse explained that the Access course is a rapid course that prepares students well for all aspects of university including referencing and researching.
Makeda encouraged students to do a creative portfolio in their second year of university stating what they are good at, what they learned and how well prepared they are. She passionately stated to the engaged students that she took out a student loan because she wanted a career in nursing and that nurses deserve to be paid their worth, with the students in agreeance.
Throughout the presentation, Makeda answered students’ questions and explained what she found rewarding about her journey so far. She told the students that she had a patient who was suffering from cancer and she visited her home. During the visit, she played some music to cheer up the patient. The district nurse received a thank you card from the patient’s family thanking her for that day and she couldn’t put into words just how much that meant to her.
Of her time studying at Croydon College, Makeda said, “I really enjoyed the Access Course to Nursing. It was beneficial as a mature student in getting me into university and preparing for my future as an adult nurse.”
If you are aged 19 and above, looking to further your career, want to apply for university but don’t have the required qualifications, find out more about our Access courses here.
