Former Health and Social Care student returns to college to inspire the next generation

A former Health and Social Care student has recently returned to SERC's Newtownards campus to thank her tutors for setting her up for success in the health industry as well as to inspire the next generation of health care professionals. 

Natalie Moore from Newtownards is a former pupil of Movilla High School and came to SERC over a decade ago to study Health and Social Care before progressing to study a HNC and a HND. Natalie then progressed to the University of Dundee to study a BSc in Adult Nursing.

Natalie dreamed of becoming a nurse from a young age saying “From around the age of four I wanted to be a nurse. My Grandmother was also a nurse and I wanted to make a difference in elderly care and I believe I am doing just that.”

Natalie is currently employed as a staff nurse at Beechvale Nursing Home in Killinchy and was recently a finalist for the Nurse of the Year competition, coming third overall out of one hundred competitors.

During her return to the College, Natalie had the opportunity to speak to second year Level 3 Health and Social Care students where she spoke about her time with the College and her experiences at university and in her current role as well as answering any questions the students had.

Natalie said: “It doesn’t matter if you went to a high school or a grammar school. For anyone considering university, be prepared to work hard at SERC. If you think ahead, think of your future, have the drive and the confidence, you will succeed.”

Natalie thanked her tutors for providing the education and training she needed for a successful career in the health industry saying “When I started here, I didn’t have the confidence in myself that I could do this. If it wasn’t for the support from my tutors, I wouldn’t have got my qualification and I wouldn’t be where I am today. Their support was incredible throughout the course and I thank them for everything they did for me.”

SERC Lecturer from the School of Health, Early Years and Adult Education Nikki Rainey said “It was wonderful to see Natalie again. I always knew that she possessed the skills and qualities to be an exceptional nurse. She is a great example of a student who worked hard and progressed through each of the levels and has come out the other end a highly experienced nurse. I thank her for taking the time to come in and speak with the current students and I have no doubt that she will have a long and successful career.”

SERC Deputy Head of School for the School of Health, Early Years and Adult Education Marjorie Crooke said “It is testimony to the high quality of teaching and learning at SERC that we have so many students entering the health care industry. If people are interested in a career in social work, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or youth work they should consider studying at SERC.”