Cameron Berry

What course are you studying?

I am in year 3 of my BSc Nursing Studies (Adult)

What made you want to become a nurse?

I've always wanted to work in a caring profession, and when I was younger I spent a lot of time looking after my grandad when he was very ill. It just seemed like a natural progression, and it doesn't feel like a job, it just feels natural.

What do you most enjoy about your course?

My course has been a 50:50 split between theory and practice so the first half of the academic year is spent in the classroom and the second we're out on placement. The most satisfying part has been seeing how my skills have developed every year, and the thing I enjoy most is seeing positive outcomes for patients.

Why have you volunteered to go into clinical practice early?

I'm lucky to have got a role lined up in Accident & Emergency (A&E) in Harrogate when I graduate. In the meantime though, the NHS needs our support now and I just want to help in any way I can.

What do you think you'll get from the experience?

It'll be a great learning experience going from student nurse to staff nurse, so hopefully I'll learn a lot more skills and develop the confidence to use them.

How do you feel about being thrown in at the deep end?

I'm not sure where I'm going to be placed during the Covid-19 crisis but I've expressed a preference for A&E or acute medicine.

I enjoy getting stuck in, and I'd like to think I learn best when I'm thrown in at the deep end. You can either be excited about it or feel like a nervous wreck, and right now I'm excited and can't wait to start.

What do your friends and family think about you volunteering to do this?

I live with my parents and so it was a big decision to take. I'm very aware of the risks and I'm mindful that mum and dad didn't sign up to be nurses themselves, or to have to accept the risks that go with the job. We've spoken about it and they've been great.

Most of my friends are student nurses, and they're very supportive of what I'm doing. But it's not just me, lots of people have volunteered and others would have done too but couldn't for completely valid health or personal reasons.

It proves how passionate we all are about nursing, and caring for people who need our help. I think going through this together will strengthen our connections even more.

Do you have a message for your fellow nursing students at this time?

If I had a message for other students I guess it'd be keep positive and stay safe. Definitely always follow the official guidance about using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and remember to work within your competencies. Also keep in touch with your mates and help each other!