Frances
Goodwin

Why NTU?

What inspired you to study your subject?

"My inspiration came from working in healthcare settings for over a decade and seeing, first-hand, the difference compassionate, skilled nursing can make to people at their most vulnerable. As a mature student and mother, I’ve always been drawn to caring roles, but becoming a Nursing Associate allowed me to formalise that instinct into professional practice. Completing the Nursing Associate Foundation Degree confirmed that I wanted to continue developing my knowledge, confidence and leadership as a registered Nurse."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"I chose the Registered Nurse (Adult) degree through NTU because of its strong reputation for practice-based learning and its commitment to supporting students from diverse and non-traditional backgrounds. NTU’s partnership approach with employers was particularly important to me, as I have been supported by my employer to progress from Nursing Associate to Registered Nurse, becoming part of the R2RN group. This pathway felt genuinely accessible, realistic and supportive for someone balancing study, work and family life."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far?

"The course has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. The academic level is demanding, but it builds directly on real clinical experience, which has helped me grow in confidence and critical thinking. Highlights include developing leadership skills, engaging in reflective practice, and applying theory directly to patient care. Being trusted with increasing responsibility on placement has been particularly affirming and rewarding."

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

"Yes — I attended the RCN Conference in Liverpool (2025), representing NTU as a student nurse, which was a real highlight. It gave me insight into national nursing priorities, professional identity and future challenges within healthcare. I’m also preparing for a six-week international elective placement in India, which will broaden my understanding of global health, cultural competence and nursing practice in different healthcare systems."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"To me, Social Sciences is about working with people, understanding the wider context of their lives, and recognising how social, cultural and economic factors affect health and wellbeing. Nursing sits firmly at the frontline of Social Sciences — it is about transforming lives, advocating for individuals, and delivering care that goes beyond clinical treatment to address the whole person."

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course?

"Yes, I have completed several work placements as part of my course, which have been central to my development as a student nurse. As a mature student progressing from a Nursing Associate background, I have been able to build on existing clinical experience while expanding my scope of practice, autonomy and leadership skills. Including a range of adult nursing settings, where I have been involved in delivering person-centred care, managing long-term conditions, supporting discharge planning, and working closely within multidisciplinary teams. I have developed strong clinical skills such as medicines management, wound care, alongside enhanced assessment, communication and decision-making skills. I have also gained experience in supervising and supporting junior students.

A particularly exciting aspect of my course is an upcoming six-week international elective placement in India, which I will be undertaking from February. This placement will give me the opportunity to experience healthcare delivery in a different cultural and resource context, further developing my adaptability, cultural competence and global understanding of nursing practice.

What I have enjoyed most about placement is the opportunity to make a tangible difference to patients and their families while growing in confidence as a professional. Being trusted with increasing responsibility, applying theory to real-world practice, and feeling part of a team has been incredibly rewarding and has reinforced my commitment to continuing my career in nursing."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"There have been many, but the most memorable moments are often the quiet ones — supporting a patient through a difficult diagnosis, advocating for safer care, or helping families feel heard during stressful situations. These moments reinforce why I chose nursing and remind me of the privilege of being trusted during such important times in people’s lives."

Support

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

"The support has been excellent. As a Course Representative I have been able to raise issues large and small from the cohort. The Tutors and academic staff are approachable, understanding, and genuinely invested in student success. As a mature student with family commitments, that flexibility and encouragement has been invaluable for all the students in this situation. NTU recognises that students come with different responsibilities and backgrounds, and that inclusive approach has made a real difference to my experience."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

"Yes — despite being a mature student, I felt welcomed very quickly. The course attracts people from a wide range of backgrounds, and that diversity creates a strong sense of mutual respect and support. Being part of the R2RN group has also helped me connect with others on a similar journey."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"After qualifying, I plan to continue developing my career within nursing, with a strong interest in primary care and long-term condition management. I have been offered a job as a Practice Nurse at the GP Practice I am employed at once I'm qualified. Potentially longer term, I would like to take on leadership or specialist roles and continue contributing to education, mentorship and service development."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"NTU is helping me build not just clinical competence, but confidence, leadership skills and professional identity. The combination of academic learning, placement experience and professional opportunities — such as conferences and international placements — has prepared me well for the realities of modern nursing."

Advice

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

"My advice would be: don’t underestimate yourself. If you’re passionate about nursing and willing to work hard, NTU provides the support and opportunities to help you succeed — regardless of your background or stage in life. Stay organised, engage with reflection early, use the support available, and remember why you started. The vast and varied support that NTU offer make it hard to fail. The Library team and step up support for those students that access it have really improved the work you submit, encouraging you to improve."