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Working mum switches career to nursing thanks to flexible Coventry University degree
Ann Hadley
Wednesday 26 May 2021
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A working mother-of-two has switched careers to become a nurse after enrolling on Coventry University’s new flexible learning adult nursing degree.
Forty-year old Ann Hadley is among the first cohort of students to study for the BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Blended Learning degree, which offers a flexible way to study that makes it easier to balance with family life and part-time work.
The NHS is facing an acute shortage of nurses and the university has adapted its degree courses to try to make it easier for people to join the profession.
Launched in September 2020, the course is also available at Master’s degree level and is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Ann became a PC at 21 and spent the next 10 years with West Midlands Police and has also worked with children as an Early Years Educator and as part of a team delivering immunisations in schools.
Although she loved being a police officer, Ann made the decision to change her career to raise her children while working from home. But as they grew up, she decided to change direction and enhance her skills in healthcare.
My earliest memories of the profession are from watching a nurse care for my dad at the end of his life. I witnessed genuine care, empathy and human kindness, which has stayed in my mind for many years. I jumped at the chance to enrol for the blended learning course as that meant I could study around family life. I am thoroughly enjoying the course so far and have been able to keep a structured family life along with studying.
Ann Hadley, 1st year student, BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Blended Learning
Coventry University is one of the first institutions in the UK to have degree courses of this kind approved, after winning a contract with Health Education England to both develop and deliver them in Coventry and at CU London and CU Scarborough.
I am delighted that Ann is benefiting from the course’s flexible design, which combines fully interactive digital learning with practical clinical placements. It is designed to break down barriers for people wanting to get into nursing, such as those with family responsibilities and carer roles, and those whose jobs have been negatively affected by the pandemic or have been inspired to swap careers.
Sally Nuttall, course director, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Coventry University
To find out more about the course or how to apply for the September intake, please visit the university’s website.
