News: Celebrating International Nurses Day — Meet Libby and Britney

People around the country will be shining a light from their windows on Tuesday 12^th May at 8.30pm, to mark the day and to show their gratitude for all the dedicated nursing staff looking after the public during the coronavirus.

Britney and Libby are two of those dedicated people. They are former Nottingham College Health and Social Care students, and both are now at university studying nursing.

Here we share their stories.

Libby Avery completed a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (Health Studies) here at Nottingham College in 2018.

Now, she’s a second year student at Sheffield Hallam University, studying Adult Nursing.

Libby said: ​“At the start of the pandemic I was in the middle of my placement in the community. We were testing at home patients for COVID 19, which required a lot of training and personal protective equipment. 

“Around April the university took us off placement and now is placing us back on. I am currently on placement at the QMC, which has been a dream for me since I was little and although it is scary at times I still love what I do.”

Britney Thraves also did her Health and Social Care (Health Studies) Level 3 qualification at Nottingham College a couple of years ago. 

She’s now at university training to become a nurse. 

Britney said: ​“I am studying Adult Nursing at De Montfort University. I have been working on a cardiology ward working with patients who have severe heart conditions, unable to see their family in these hard times with many passing away without being able to say their ​‘goodbyes’.

“I have also been working as a support worker throughout the pandemic, helping severely disabled adults get shopping, medication and all other aspects of care. 

“Additionally, I have been trying to help friends and family through this hard time with essentials.”

Zoe Scott, Faculty Area Manager for Health and Social Care at Nottingham College, said: ​“It’s always wonderful to hear from our former students who have gone on to higher education or are working within the healthcare sector, but this year it’s even more important that we shine a light on them. 

“We’re incredibly proud of Libby, Britney and all our past and current students who are so selflessly giving their time to supporting those affected by the COVID 19 pandemic.” 

If you are interested in finding out about courses and careers in health and science you can visit the links below.