Former Access Student Shortlisted for RNCI Student Nurse of the Year

Former South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Access student Lynsey McLaughlin has been shortlisted for RCNI Student Nurse of the Year. Lynsey, is currently in her final year of a BSc Adult Nursing at Queen’s University Belfast.

Speaking about the award shortlisting, Lynsey said "I was nominated for this award by my lecturer in Queens. I helped campaign for a new self catering facility for the nursing and midwifery students. Everyone knows how tough financially it can be for nursing/midwifery students and we had nowhere to heat up or cook healthy, home made meals. We as nurses promote public health in a big way but we also need to look after ourselves as well and now we have our own space within the MBC"

Lynsey had previously worked as a hairdresser for 16 years when she decided it was time for a for a career change. She came along to one of the College open days to find out how she could be better off at SERC and hasn’t looked back since.

Speaking about her experience on SERC’s Access course and getting back into education, she said, “I always had a desire to go into nursing so after attending an open day at the College, I decided now was the time to make the step. The Access course worked well for me as I’m a single mother of two. After 16 years out of education I was so nervous, but I quickly settled after meeting my tutors. They explained how the course would work but also mentally prepared the whole class for the hard work that was expected. I got great support and advice throughout the course.

She added, “The College gave me so much support in preparing to progress to university. Before my interview for Queen’s University Belfast, SERC held mock interviews. It was great experience and helped me feel more prepared for the real interview for entry. When I started at Queen’s I felt I had a head start on most people as I already knew how to use the Harvard reference system and had learnt the basics of biology on the Access course.”

She concluded, “I always go back to visit my tutors at SERC as I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help and support.”

If you're interested in returning to education just like Lynsey did then be sure to watch our webinars for Adults returners on;

• 24 July
• 7 August
• 21 August

Apply now for courses commencing September 2020. For more information visit www.serc.ac.uk to find out how you could be #BetterOffAtSERC #OnlineAndOpenForBusiness Find us on Facebook, search SERC.