When we needed you, you kept us safe

Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services, at ITU, Royal Glamorgan Hospital

Last month, Eluned Morgan MS, visited the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) at Royal Glamorgan Hospital. We caught up with Student Nurse, Emily Andrews (pictured back row, middle), who spoke with the Minister that day about her studies:

Name: Emily Andrews

Course: Adult Nursing 

Year of study: 3rd (final) 

How is your course going?

“My course is going great. I’ve completed all the academic parts of my degree now, just waiting for my dissertation results. I also have to finish my final placement, making up any missed hours and getting all of my competencies signed off.” 

Where are you working on placement?

“I’ve just finished 8 weeks in ITU again and am now doing 4 weeks on a ward in the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.” 

How did your studies change when the covid pandemic hit?

“I was out on placement at the time so the first week of my placement we were pulled off until we knew what was happening. I would have been happy to stay out and carry on but everything was up in the air a bit while things were being figured out.

“We were later given the option to opt-in to an extended placement or have extended theory. I opted in for the extended placement.

“As I was living away from home and any vulnerable people, I had no reason to not opt-in. I wanted to help. We were given the chance to request certain areas to work in so I requested A&E and ITU.

“I was actually hoping to get A&E but got ITU. As it turns out, ITU was something I enjoyed a lot more than I expected and is now the area I’m going to be working in. The ITU team I worked with were absolutely incredible and I learnt so much while I was there.”

What have been your biggest challenges?

“It’s going really well. I was so sad to leave ITU as I felt like I was settled in and becoming a more competent and confident nurse as well as an asset to the team. The challenges at the moment for me are going through all my paperwork and getting all the signatures that I’ve missed in the past.” 

Why did you choose to study USW?

“I actually applied through Clearing. I tried dental nursing before applying but it wasn’t for me so my mum suggested nursing and mentioned that USW still had some Clearing places available, so I went for it and haven’t looked back since.

“I enjoy the constant learning and the challenges that nursing brings.”